German Economy Faces Worst Order Shortfall Since 2009

A recent Ifo Institute survey reveals that 41.5% of companies are struggling with a lack of orders, impacting nearly every sector.

The order shortfall in Germany has reached its highest level since the 2009 financial crisis, with 41.5% of companies reporting issues.
The manufacturing sector is severely affected, with nearly 68.3% of metal producers and 55% of machinery manufacturers experiencing a decline in orders.
The trade sector, particularly wholesale and retail, is also struggling, with 65.5% and 56.4% of businesses, respectively, reporting low demand.
High bureaucracy and regulatory demands are cited as significant contributors to the order shortfall, increasing the demand for legal and financial advisory services.
Despite a slight increase in order backlogs in September, experts warn that the path to recovery remains long and uncertain.