Business Cycles & Markets

The Chinese electro market is by far the largest in the world. From 2010 to 2024 its volume nearly trippled. However, in view of the structural challenges facing the Chinese economy (including trade barriers, low consumption, the real estate crisis and demographics), it can be assumed that China has probably embarked on a lower growth path. This is also reflected in the growth rates expected by the ZVEI for the Chinese electro market.

According to the latest calculations by the ZVEI, the global market for goods of the electro and digital industry reached a value of €5,765bn in 2024. For the current year, the global electro market is expected to grow by 3%. This would mean that growth remains subdued compared to the long-term average (5% p.a. since 1995). Next year, growth in the global market could pick up again slightly: the ZVEI forecasts growth of 5% for 2026. This would make the market be worth more than 6 trillion euros.

Trade conflicts in an increasingly fragmented global economy remain a significant risk. The electro and digital industry, with its international value chains and sales markets, is particularly dependent on the freest possible movement of goods.

The annual fact sheet summarizes the most important data and forecasts for the global Electro and Digital Industry.

China is of great importance to the German electro and digital industry. With a share of just under forty percent, the Chinese market is the world's largest national market. For the German electro and digital industry, China was not only the main target of exports in 2024, but was also the largest investment location for foreign direct investment in 2023.