Producers of industrial valves will face new challenges in 2025. Although international business has so far supported positive developments, empty order books and uncertain future forecasts are now causing a subdued mood in the industry.
Despite difficult conditions, the industrial valves sector exceeded expectations in 2024. Nominal sales growth of 6% was recorded. While business in Germany declined by 1%, turnover abroad rose by 11%. After price adjustment, however, the growth of 6% corresponds to stagnation compared to the previous year.
“The sales growth in 2024 is pleasing, but it was primarily supported by strong demand in China and the USA. In Germany and Europe, business was rather sluggish due to the weak economy,” comments Dr. Laura Dorfer, Managing Director of the VDMA Valves Association, on the current situation. “Many companies are working off existing orders, but new orders - including from abroad - are declining. Against this backdrop, we are only expecting stagnation in 2025.”
“The fittings industry is well positioned for key future issues such as the energy transition, hydrogen, clean water and the circular economy,” emphasizes Axel Weidner, Chairman of the Fittings Association and shareholder of Mankenberg GmbH. “As a European brand manufacturer, we stand for quality and score points in international competition. However, conditions in Germany have recently deteriorated increasingly. Important customer industries such as energy and the chemical industry are under pressure. At the same time, a flood of regulations and a shortage of skilled workers are putting a strain on our industry, which is dominated by SMEs. The new German government urgently needs to take political measures to ensure that we can continue to operate successfully in the future.”
China remains the most important customer country
The industrial valves sector is forecasting a decline in incoming orders. In 2024, shut-off valves and safety and monitoring valves in particular achieved the best results with nominal sales growth of 7%. Control valves achieved an increase of 3%. Across all segments, international business was more successful than domestic business. The future prospects for control valves and safety and monitoring valves appear more favorable than for shut-off valves. According to the VDMA, incoming orders are 5% below the previous year's level in real terms.
In nominal terms, exports by German valve manufacturers rose slightly in 2024, following a successful previous year. In total, industrial valves worth around 5.2 billion euros were exported, which corresponds to an increase of 0.8% compared to 2023.
Exports to China, the most important customer country, recovered significantly in 2024. After declines in previous years, they grew by 19.8% to 677.6 million euros. Business with the USA, the second largest trading partner, increased by 1.0% and reached a value of 542.7 million euros. At the same time, exports to France fell by 6.7%, although France retained its status as the third most important market with a trade volume of 296.8 million euros.
