The VDMA's autumn 2026 survey of German additive manufacturing companies shows a clearly better picture than a year ago. Companies reporting falling sales dropped from 29% to 15%, and 64% describe a positive development, up from 45%. The working group calls the situation more stable but does not speak of a trend reversal.
What do companies expect for the coming years?
For the next twelve months, 40% of respondents expect higher demand in the German market, 53% expect it to stay level and 6% expect a decline. Over two years, 67% expect growth and 28% a stable market. In the spring survey, 76% had expected growth over 24 months, so the mood has shifted only slightly.
How important are exports and investment?
For exports, 52% expect higher sales within a year and 63% within two years. The European Union was named by 73% as a key sales market, the USA by 71%, and China is mentioned more often than before. On investment, 72% plan to continue spending at the current level, 22% plan to raise it and 7% plan to cut.
Which topics matter most to the industry?
Respondents name new applications (53%), technical progress (51%) and new markets (42%) as the main positive drivers. Looking ahead, they rank technical development first at 61%, followed by cost at 57%, stable and repeatable processes at 50% and series production at 48%. Mechanical engineering is named less often as the leading application field, while aviation and medical technology gain ground.
What it means
The survey covers German vendors and users, but it signals conditions for EU buyers too: a more stable supplier base lowers the risk of choosing a partner for series parts. The priority on cost, process repeatability and series production matches what small and mid sized manufacturers need to prove in their own business cases. It also fits the recent machine revenue growth reported for the second quarter. Self-reported sentiment is not sales data, and the VDMA itself warns against reading it as a turnaround.
Frequently asked questions
What did the VDMA autumn 2026 survey find?
64% of German AM companies reported positive development and 15% reported falling sales, compared with 45% and 29% a year earlier.
Does the VDMA see a turnaround?
No. The working group says the situation has improved but calls it premature to speak of a fundamental trend reversal.
Are companies still investing in AM?
Yes. 72% plan to keep investing, 22% expect to increase investment and 7% want to reduce spending.
