Overview
- Only 24% of German companies plan to increase investments, while a third intend to reduce them, according to the latest DIHK survey.
- Less than 20% of businesses are considering expanding their capacities, reflecting widespread hesitancy amid economic challenges.
- Key investment deterrents include high energy costs, taxes, labor expenses, and lengthy bureaucratic processes.
- The German economy remains 10% below pre-COVID investment levels, with GDP expected to stagnate in 2025 following two years of recession.
- The government has announced measures to stimulate growth, but concerns persist over domestic demand and U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump.