DIHK Economic Survey Fall 2018

The Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is presenting the results of its Economic Survey Fall 2018 with the analysis “The air is getting thinner”.

Economic situation: The German economy is still running at a high level. The construction industry assesses its economic situation more positively than ever before. Trade and service providers are also benefiting from the strong domestic demand. However, manufacturing industry and especially large companies in all sectors are making cutbacks in the assessment of their business situation in autumn 2018.

Business expectations: Companies are looking at their future business with a greater degree of caution – the strongest deterioration in business expectations in four years. This is particularly evident in manufacturing industry. The greatest risk of the shortage of skilled workers again gains in importance.

Export expectations have suffered a significant setback and are now below their long-term average. The distortions in trade policy are unsettling companies and leaving their mark. Companies fear that the rampant trade conflicts, especially between the USA and China, will have a serious impact on trade over the next twelve months.

Investment intentions: The increased level of uncertainty for companies is also reflected in a slight slowdown in investment momentum. Fewer companies than in early summer intend to expand their budgets. Capacity expansions and product innovations remain the most important investment motives in autumn 2018.

Employment intentions: Employment plans decline only slightly compared to early summer. Especially in times when skilled workers are scarce, companies are holding on to their qualified teams.

The current survey can be downloaded below:

Pages: 45 pages | File size: 2.2 MB

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