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Demand from domestic customers jumped by 11 percent in real terms, VDMA said. Orders from countries outside the euro zone climbed 16 percent, those from countries in the single currency area jumped by 10 percent.
In the less volatile December-January comparison, orders growth was only slightly weaker, rising 11 percent on the year, VDMA said. Domestic demand was up 12 percent and foreign orders edged 11 percent higher.
"Demand for high quality machines and plants by our clients all over the world remains high," said VDMA chief economist Ralph Wiechers. "We can only hope that the trade dispute between the US and China doesn't cause lasting damage to this investment drive."