Germany Faces Deep Recession: Record High Bankruptcies and Struggling Sectors Shake Economy

September 11, 2024
Germany Faces Deep Recession: Record High Bankruptcies and Struggling Sectors Shake Economy
  • The retail sector, particularly fashion, is facing ongoing challenges due to consumer reluctance and high shipping costs, complicating recovery efforts.

  • Germany's economy is currently facing a deep recession, significantly impacting businesses across various sectors.

  • The construction sector has been particularly hard hit, with approximately 1,760 insolvencies reported, a staggering 27.5% increase from the previous year.

  • The number of major bankruptcies has surged, with 40 large insolvency cases recorded in the first half of 2024, marking the highest level since 2015.

  • This figure represents over a third increase compared to the same period last year, raising concerns about a potential domino effect on supply chains.

  • Experts attribute the rise in corporate insolvencies to multiple factors, including difficulties in repaying COVID-19 loans, high energy prices, and stricter credit conditions.

  • The automotive industry is also struggling, facing weak demand for electric vehicles and competition from China, further complicating the economic landscape.

  • In August 2024, there was a slight decrease of 0.5% in insolvencies compared to the same month in the previous year, totaling 181 companies declared insolvent.

  • In Baden-Württemberg alone, 1,245 insolvency applications were filed from January to July 2024, reflecting a 37.6% rise compared to the first half of 2023.

  • Key factors contributing to these insolvencies include sharply rising capital costs due to interest rate hikes since 2022 and significant cost increases in the construction and energy sectors.

  • Despite an increase in average payment delays, the proportion of companies making late payments has slightly decreased, with 92% of companies paying on time.

  • Looking ahead, Allianz Trade forecasts a moderate increase of about 2% in bankruptcy cases by 2025, potentially reaching around 22,000 cases.

Summary based on 23 sources


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