A Bertelsmann Foundation study reveals German industry employment fell to 6.6 million in 2025, a decade low, representing 19% of total employment. Declining hiring, not mass layoffs, is the cause, with wage premiums also shrinking.
German defense firms, led by Airbus, plan to develop their own 6th generation fighter jet, "Team Gen 6," after the Franco-German FCAS project failed due to disputes with Dassault. The initiative seeks government backing and potential collaboration with Sweden's Saab.
German industry has lost 340,000 jobs since 2019, a six percent decrease, according to an EY report cited by RIA Novosti. The automotive sector was hit hardest, losing every seventh job, while chemical-pharmaceutical and electrical industries saw growth.
German industrial employment fell by 2.3% in Q1, losing 127,300 jobs, primarily in the auto and metal sectors. Despite this, overall industry revenue rose 1.7% due to strong performance in the metal sector, with exports surging 28%. Experts predict further job cuts despite government support measures.
German industry experienced a 1.7% revenue increase in Q1 2026, driven by the metal sector, marking the first growth after ten quarters of decline. However, employment fell by 2.3%, with the automotive industry losing the most jobs.
German industry revenue grew 1.7% in Q1, the first increase since mid-2023, but 127,300 jobs were lost, with the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors hit hardest. High costs and competition remain challenges.
German industrial companies cut 127,300 jobs in Q1 2026, a 2.3% decrease year-on-year, despite a 1.7% sales increase. Since 2019, 341,500 industrial jobs have been lost.
German industry experienced its first sales increase in three years in Q1 2026, growing 1.7% to €531 billion. However, job losses persist, with 127,300 positions cut year-on-year, particularly in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors. High energy and labor costs, competition from China, and US tariffs remain challenges.
German industry's revenue increased by 1.7% in Q1 2026, the first rise in a year, driven by the metal sector. However, employment fell by 2.3%, with the automotive industry losing the most jobs.
A Brussels thinktank warns Germany risks deindustrialisation similar to the US in 2001 due to China's growing trade surplus. The CER report highlights a $25bn deficit and Beijing's targeted policies against German industry.
German industry's order books reached a record high in March, with a 1.6% monthly increase in open orders. Despite this, economists like Alexander Krüger anticipate a gradual decline in employment due to high energy prices, supply chain issues, and pressure on profit margins.
