Trends are positive

There are plenty of opportunities in Germany, but seizing them is another matter. German industrial companies, especially in the
electrical and mechanical engineering sectors, have a reputation for performing much of their own production.
In addition, their suppliers are often “close to home”. Nevertheless, there is a trend towards outsourcing more work to suppliers,
including foreign suppliers, which could benefit Dutch companies.

The ratio of total purchases of products and services to turnover has risen from around 55% in 1995 to 60% now in the
German mechanical engineering sector, and from 63% to 73% in the automotive sector.