Conflict in the Red Sea and rail strike
Slight increase in material shortages in the industry
The shortage of materials in German industry has increased slightly. In February, 14.6% of the companies surveyed reported shortages, compared to 12.5% in January. This is according to the latest survey by the ifo Institute.
"In addition to the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, the rail strike has also led to a shortage of raw materials and primary products in some companies," says Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of ifo Surveys. "Nevertheless, the supply bottlenecks are not a fundamental problem for industrial production. At present, we are mainly seeing delays within supply chains, but not a total breakdown," he adds.
However, the chemical industry reported a significant increase in supply bottlenecks for primary products. Here, the proportion rose from 8.3% to 21.5%. The leather industry (57.9%), manufacturers of electrical equipment (21.9%) and car manufacturers (21.8%) are also above 20%. Beverage manufacturers (1.4%), the food industry (2.4%), clothing manufacturers (1.5%), the paper industry (2.2%) and glass and ceramics manufacturers (2.2%) remain virtually carefree.
The peak of supply problems in the industry was in December 2021, when 81.9% of companies complained about them.
You might also be interested in
Why the crisis continues
How deep is Germany's chemical industry really in crisis in 2026? After a weak start to the year, burdened by the conflict in the Middle East, high energy costs and global competitive pressure, the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) paints a...
read more...Stratasys takes over MarkForged
Stratasys is acquiring MarkForged from Nano Dimension for USD 42.5 million, thereby expanding its portfolio in the field of fiber-reinforced composites. The acquisition also strengthens the company's software and materials expertise in industrial 3D...
read more...Wittmann reorganizes the management
Wittmann reorganizes the management team: From May 2026, owners Michael Wittmann and Dr. Werner Wittmann will combine the management of the entire group of companies in a dual leadership team. Rainer Weingraber is leaving the company.
read more...Electricity price subsidies decided
Industrial electricity price is coming, VCI warns of limited effect
The EU Commission has approved the German industrial electricity price: Until the end of 2028, electricity costs for energy-intensive companies can be subsidized with 3.8 billion euros and capped at five cents per kilowatt hour. The VCI criticizes...
read more...Industry insists on reforms before EU Council
At the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, companies and associations called for concrete, measurable steps towards greater competitiveness in Europe. VDMA, VCI, Plastics Europe, ZVEI, BDI and VDA also called for speed in reducing bureaucracy,...
read more...50 years of Plagiarius: How brazen product counterfeiting damages innovation
For the 50th time, the "Plagiarius" award ceremony is bringing brazen product copies into the public eye. The negative award highlights the extent of the economic, security-related and social damage caused by product and brand piracy and why the...
read more...ifo Institute lowers growth forecast
How much will the German economy grow in 2026?
The ifo Institute is revising its economic forecast downwards: It expects growth of just 0.1% in 2025 and 0.8% in 2026. The reasons for this are structural change, bureaucracy and US tariffs.
read more...Supply Chain Act: No German special path
17 Business associations demand suspension of the LkSG
German companies fear competitive disadvantages due to the national Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). 17 business associations are calling for the law to be suspended and for the national scope of application to be adapted to the EU CSDDD...
read more...German exports: sentiment improves, upward trend fails to materialize
Sentiment in the German export industry brightens slightly: Ifo export expectations rise to -1.2 points in January 2026. The automotive and electrical industries in particular expect exports to grow.
read more...