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EU-US Trade Deal Threatens European Production
Emiliano Marzoli The EU-US trade agreement is facing intense criticism from European policymakers and industry leaders who deem it unbalanced, unfair, and a “significant policy mistake.” The persistence of high US tariffs and mounting non-tariff barriers are severely hurting Europe’s export-oriented industrial sector. Experts warn the deal has cornered the EU, increasing its dependency on critical raw materials and semiconductors.
Specifically, US Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium derivatives are crippling the machinery sector with complex compliance rules. Failure to comply can trigger punitive tariffs up to 200%, prompting some firms to halt US exports entirely and leading to a sharp drop in sales (e.g., German machinery exports have fallen 18.5%). EU lawmakers are now pushing for amendments, including sunset clauses and safeguards, amid concerns that the current framework is unsustainable.
Source: Euractiv Read The Article
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Agritechnica 2025: The Rise of Smart, Hybrid Efficiency
Emiliano Marzoli The Agritechnica 2025 trade show, held under the guiding theme “Touch Smart Efficiency,” cemented the industry’s focus on integrating digital intelligence with advanced hardware to achieve higher yields while ensuring environmental and economic sustainability. The primary trend was the transition of alternative power and robotics from concepts into commercially available, high-performance machinery.
The 2025 show was bigger than the previous show in 2023–there were more attendees (476,000 vs. 470,000) and exhibitors (2849 vs 2812) and more countries represented (171 vs. 149). The total space for the two shows was the same–394,000 sq in 24 halls at the Hanover Exhibition Center in Hanover, Germany. The bi-annual show ran Nov. 9-15.
Key New Models and Technology Unveiled
Manufacturers focused heavily on hybridization, automation, and engine efficiency: -
MODX 70 Offers Luxury and Eco-Responsible Sailing
Natasa Mulahalilovic No other boat has pushed the boundaries of green yachting as far as the MODX 70, winner of the 2025 Multihull of the Year award for its advanced, intelligent vision of zero-carbon sailing, announced at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
The concept was introduced in 2008 and finally brought to life in 2025 through the combined efforts of Ocean Development, VPLP Design, Aeroforce, MG Energy, Madden Tech, and many other visionary partners.
The project has earned recognition from the French government under the France 2030 Plan, receiving support through the i-Nov competition for sustainable and intelligent mobility in 2021, which helped fund the ambitious and costly development.
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50% Tariff Turns European Machinery into Gold
Emiliano Marzoli In recent weeks, the US has expanded its 50% tariff on steel and aluminum to over 400 derivative products, creating a new, complex trade landscape with the EU. This goes beyond raw materials and now includes a wide array of manufactured goods. The EU has a new deal with the US, which introduces a 15% tariff ceiling on a large portion of European exports, including strategic sectors like vehicles. However, the 50% metal tariffs override this, a development that has caused alarm in Europe’s industrial sectors. The deal is a “first step,” with both sides still working out details, but the high metal tariffs remain a source of significant uncertainty and a point of contention.
Sources: Read This Article Read This Article
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US-EU Tariff Talks Reach Tentative Agreement
Emiliano Marzoli The United States and the European Union have reached a tentative trade agreement to avert a full-blown trade war as an Aug. 1, 2025, deadline for new US tariffs approaches. US President Donald Trump has indicated a new baseline tariff rate of 15% for most countries, pushing for reciprocal agreements.
This follows a similar deal with Japan, which saw a reduction from a threatened 25% to 15%. While discussions with the EU are ongoing, with both sides expressing optimism for a negotiated outcome, the EU has approved a retaliatory tariff package of up to 30% on €93 billion worth of US goods, to be activated if no agreement is reached. EU countries overwhelmingly supported these countermeasures, which would impact a wide range of US products from soybeans to aircraft.
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Europe Agricultural Machinery Business Sees Dip
The European agricultural machinery industry’s business climate index slightly dropped for the second consecutive month, reaching 0 points in July from +4. This decline primarily affected arable equipment, transportation, and components, unlike previous months when harvesting equipment and tractors saw deterioration.
Market confidence remains low in France, particularly for tractors, arable, and harvesting equipment, with Germany also performing poorly in these segments. Conversely, Spain, Poland, and the UK show strong confidence, leading the European market.
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Marine Exhibition 2025 Featured Industry Collaboration
Sign-up for Show ReportsNatasa Mulahalilovic The Electric & Hybrid Marine Exhibition 2025 held June 24 – 26, 2025, featured increased corporate collaboration and demonstrated a focus on sustainability, the adoption of immersive technologies, and enhanced connectivity.
These development trends were built on a collaborative approach to maritime electrification and decarbonization and reflect incremental improvements as well as a strategic shift toward smarter, greener, and more autonomous marine operations.
The show was held at the RAI Amsterdam complex and lasted three days. About 200 exhibitors participated, including leading companies in electric and hybrid marine technology, propulsion, and charging infrastructure.
Representatives of Power Systems Research attended the show to collect data on new products and to talk with exhibitors and attendees about industry trends.
The 2025 Exhibition emphasized port electrification, alternative fuels, and infrastructure development.
The next exhibition will be held in Chicago, August 20 – 21, 2025, indicating that this clean marine movement is growing worldwide. The Electric & Hybrid Marine Exhibition is becoming a key place for sharing new ideas, working together, and aiming for cleaner oceans and greener shipping. PSR
Download the complete Show Report here.
Natasa Mulahalilovic is Marine Pleasure Boat Analyst-Europe for Power Systems Research
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Rolls-Royce Power Reports Record 2024 Results
Natasa Mulahalilovic Rolls-Royce Power Systems achieved record 2024 performance, with revenue rising 11% to US$5.56 billion (€5.05 billion), surpassing the US$5.5 billion (€5 billion) mark for the first time. Adjusted operating profit jumped 40% to US$728.2 million (€662 million), boosting return on sales to 13.1% (up from 10.4% in 2023).
CEO Dr. Joerg Stratmann credited the results to a focused strategy in energy, government, marine, battery storage, and services. “We’ve grown our market share in mtu products and see strong future potential,” he said. The division recorded US$6.60 billion (€6 billion) in orders, signaling a positive outlook for 2025.
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KTM Grapples with Restructuring Efforts
Emiliano Marzoli The KTM Group, under the parent company Pierer Mobility AG, is currently navigating significant financial headwinds. Late November 2024 saw KTM AG enter a 90-day period of self-administration, a form of insolvency protection, burdened by approximately €3 billion in debt.
This move initiated a critical restructuring phase aimed at stabilizing the company’s financial position. A key milestone was reached in late February 2025 when creditors approved KTM’s restructuring plan, agreeing to a 30% debt repayment by May 23, 2025. This agreement hinged on KTM successfully raising €600 million by this crucial deadline, leading to an active search for potential investors.
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