News
Bavaria and the USA – The Economic and Trade Relationship after One Year of Trump
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump took office as US President for the second time. Join us one year on for a discussion with experts and business representatives. Together, we examine the first year of the current US administration and discusses the prospects for the German and Bavarian economy.
China expands export controls on rare earths
China has significantly expanded its export controls on rare earths. This affects other rare earths, technologies related to mining, processing, and recycling, as well as the further shipment of controlled elements and goods containing them or manufactured using Chinese technology.
Study analyzes hydrogen cost for industry
Hydrogen is a crucial building block for industrial climate neutrality. A study published in cooperation with Prognos AG analyzes the future cost for industry under different import and production scenarios. It projects costs in the short-, mid- and long-term.
General Court of the European Union confirms EU-US Data Privacy Framework
On September 3, 2025, the General Court of the European Union (EGC) dismissed an action for annulment against the European Commission's adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. We inform you about the details.
8th German-American Data Protection Day
On November 12, 2025, vbw is organizing the 8th German-American Data Protection Day in cooperation with the US Consulate General in Munich and the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision. The event will focus on the challenges in transatlantic data transfer and will be streamed online.
German Education Monitor 2025: Bavaria ranks second again
In the German Education Monitor of the New Social Free Market Initiative, Bavaria once again occupies a very good place and ranks second for the seventh time in a row in 2025. We inform you the key results of the current study.
Vocational Training Situation in the Bavarian Metal and Electrical Industries (M+E)
In 2025, the number of newly concluded training contracts in the M+E industries is expected to fall by 3.8 percent. The economic situation and the lack of (suitable) applicants are making themselves felt. However, from the perspective of young people, the training situation remains good.
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Remuneration in Bavaria – A Sector Comparison
Metal and Electrical Industries (M+E) Economic Survey for Bavaria – Summer 2025
The economic situation in the Bavarian M+E industries remains poor, but companies are growing more confident about future developments. This is shown by our current economic survey among 193 bayme vbm member companies with a total of 247,000 employees.
Syria Sanctions Relief
In light of the fall of the Assad regime, the US and the EU are largely lifting their sanctions on Syria. We explain which measures are being discontinued and which ones remain.
Spotlight on trade and investment relations between the United States and Bavaria
In light of the recent tariff announcements by the U.S. government, we highlight the importance of trade and investment relations between the U.S. and Bavaria. In 2024, the United States has been Bavaria’s second most important trading partner after China.
U.S. strengthens sanctions against Russia by targeting Russian oil production and exports
On January 10, 2025 the Biden administration took comprehensive measures to fulfill the G7 commitment to reduce Russian revenues from energy. We explain what companies operating in the energy sector need to know.
German Metal and Electrical Industry Bargaining Round 2024 concluded
On November 12, 2024, employers and trade unions reached a pilot agreement for the Northern and Bavarian collective bargaining area in Hamburg during the fourth negotiation round. We inform you about the core content.