According to a survey conducted by the AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement (AMA) among its approximately 450 members, the industry recorded a six percent decline in sales in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter. This means that economic development fell short of expectations of plus two percent. Incoming orders fell by one percent, which also reflects a slight decline compared to the first quarter.

This trend is now also affecting the employment situation: 18 percent of AMA members reported short-time working. The survey results continue to show a stable book-to-bill ratio of 1.0. This is considered an indicator of the medium-term trend in the order situation and is defined as the ratio of incoming orders to sales in the same period.

“The development in the second quarter follows the general trend in the manufacturing industry in Germany,” explains AMA managing director Thomas Simmons. ”The declines in the automotive industry and the difficult situation in energy-intensive sectors have now also affected the sensor and measurement technology industry. Unfortunately, expectations of a recovery in the second quarter were not met.”

In view of the economic downturn, the AMA Association sees the best approaches for a positive development in innovation and diversification. In particular, digitization, automation and the expansion of sustainable technologies continue to offer member companies in the industry potential for future growth.