09/12/2025 - “The extremely weak export year of 2025 is hardly improved by minor growth in October. The export economy remains under considerable pressure.

Particularly concerning are the declining exports to our two most important trading markets. Shipments to the USA are significantly reduced after the recovery effects from September. Exports to China have also dropped once again. Everything points to an adjustment to a dismal ‘new normal’ with these economic giants, rather than a dynamic recovery.

In this considerably tougher competition, improved domestic conditions are essential. Competitiveness must be restored through a better mix of taxes, labour costs, infrastructure, and regulatory environment domestically. Further, exploring new sales markets such as Indonesia, India, and African countries through new free trade agreements by the European Union must be at the top of the economic policy agenda.”