Overview

• The Konjunkturklima-Index for Central Germany’s commercial sector rose to 32.4 points in June from 31 a year ago but stays far below its 2018 high of 89.
• Surveys of more than 147,000 regional firms indicate widespread declines in sales and profits driven by growing cost pressures.
• High location and labor expenses along with bureaucratic hurdles are cited as key factors discouraging new investments.
• Companies report only slight improvements in mood since spring 2024 with no clear sign of an economic turnaround.
• Local business chambers are calling for swift action on energy cost reductions, bureaucratic relief and enhanced support for job seekers.