Overview
- Official and industry data put corporate insolvencies at roughly 12,900 in the first half of 2026, the strongest half‑year total since 2013.
- State statistics show sharp regional differences, with Hesse recording 1,107 business insolvencies and Bavaria reporting 1,179 corporate cases even as its total insolvency count fell.
- Construction and trade, including car repair workshops, are among the hardest hit sectors, while consumer personal bankruptcies fell in some regions.
- Creditreform estimates that about 27 percent of firms are under financial pressure, 7.5 percent cannot cover interest from operations, and creditor losses are near €28.5 billion.
- Analysts point to a 'two‑front squeeze' of global shocks such as the Iran war, US tariff moves and weak Chinese demand plus high energy costs, taxes and regulation, and they warn the insolvency wave should peak toward the end of 2026 with relief not expected until 2027.