VDMA Textile Machinery represents around 150 manufacturers of machinery, equipment, components, accessories and software for the production of textile materials – from spinning to the production of textile fabrics and finishing. They represent about 90 percent of the total industry volume in Germany
Speaking to Textile Focus, VDMA Textile Machinery Association’s Managing Director Dr. Harald Weber, says about textile machinery in ITMA Asia 2025, Singapore. and many burning issues Read the full conversations-
Textile Focus: Could you please share with us the current scenario of the Textile Machinery Business?
Harald Weber: In one word: challenging. In view of the economic slowdown, the still high inflation rates in many regions of the world and the noticeably dampened consumer sentiment, the markets remain under pressure. The geopolitical tensions, combined with unpredictable customs policies on one side and increasing bureaucratic burdens on the other side are further unsettling the markets. In addition, the European textile machinery industry faces an increasingly price-competitive situation with suppliers from China, India and Turkey. However, incoming orders are bottoming out, perhaps a first sign of economic recovery in the industry. But this is definitely no reason to relax. Continuous innovations are necessary to stay competitive in this challenging market environment.
Textile Focus: How is VDMA working to boost the Machinery business?
Harald Weber: Since textile machinery is an export-driven industry, a main focus of VDMA is sales support for the member companies. VDMA’s activities include business initiation trips and symposiums. With the support of the German government, VDMA organises a number of technical symposiums in major textile markets around the world every year. Another focus is joint participation in trade fairs. On the occasion of ITMA Asia end of October in Singapore, VDMA initiated a German Pavilion in the sectors finishing (hall 7) and spinning (hall 4).
Textile Focus: VDMA members: What will be presented in the ITMA Asia Expo 2025 in October?
Harald Weber: ITMA Asia 2025 will see a strong participation of VDMA member companies with the common slogan “Experience Leading Technology”. The exhibiting companies will cover nearly all different machinery chapters with a focus on spinning and man-made fibres, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting & warp knitting, finishing & dyeing as well as technologies for textile recycling and processing of recycled material. The VDMA member companies are looking forward to welcoming numerous visitors from Bangladesh in Singapore to show their latest innovations, focusing on high product quality as well as efficient and sustainable production.
Textile Focus: How do you see the Bangladesh market for VDMA?
Harald Weber: Bangladesh ranks among the world’s largest textile and apparel exporters, holding a strong position in the global supply chain. The duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market makes Bangladesh an important supplier of ready-made garments. During the last three years, Bangladesh has been the third-largest market in Asia for the VDMA member companies. In 2024, the German exports of textile machinery and accessories reached 43 million euros. Numerous VDMA member companies can proudly point to decades of close customer relationships with the Bangladesh textile sector, which are based on mutual trust.
Textile Focus: As a managing director, what’s your future plan?
Harald Weber: Forecasts are not very serious. Instead of presenting a vision, I would simply say: I am convinced that our industry will master the current challenges as it has done multiple times in the past.
