BERLIN: A majority of German business associations expect job cuts in 2026 as the country’s economic crisis persists, with industry hit hardest by global protectionism and weak exports, a survey by the German Economic Institute IW showed on Monday.
Of 46 business associations surveyed, 22 anticipate workforce reductions next year. Only nine expect to increase hiring and 15 foresee stable employment levels.
The automotive, paper and textile industries are among those expecting production declines. They have been hurt by rising protectionism, weak exports and high domestic costs that have eroded Germany’s price competitiveness, the survey found.