© Destatis / ZVEI

At 41.3 billion euros, exports once again set a new record in 2017 (2016: 37.9 billion euros). The EU remains the main market for German automation companies with 46%. The development of exports varied from region to region. China was once again the strongest export market outside Europe last year. Exports there rose by 17.2% compared to the previous year. At almost 35%, exports to Mexico, the partner country of Hannover Messe 2018, recorded the strongest growth. Overall, however, Mexico plays a subordinate role compared to other regions: only 2% of exports went there in 2017.