German sector’s competitiveness has deteriorated in some areas, especially in comparison with Asia.

Which areas? Is there any detailed information?

We are hearing exactly the same stories from Asia, only that they are saying to be falling behind, too.

‘They’ll be suffering’: Small businesses in Hong Kong caught in the middle of US-China trade war

[Hong Kong Entrepreneur Danny] Lau, who is also the honorary chairman of the Chinese special administrative region’s SME association [in HongKong], told CNA that survival remains shaky for its members even as a temporary trade truce materialised between the US and China [...] Lau said he has tried to enter other markets like the Middle East, but their populations are much smaller than America’s.

“(The) US market is a big market and they can pay higher prices. They are looking for some quality products, and sometimes they need them fast, (which means) they don't mind paying higher prices,” he added.

The automation industry is too dependant on so many other industries. I learned this real quick after the COVID lockdowns of 2020.

The shipping delays, as well as the overall lack of devices and materials caused huge waves but management made it seem like manageable ripples in a pond.

I made an educated gamble and got out of that industry in 2021. I couldn't predict Trump's tariff wars but I felt a disturbance early on.

I'm speaking from a North American perspective but the automation industry is global. This doesn't surprise me but even the headline alone brings a sense of disappointment.