13.11.2026 - “The record wave of business insolvencies isn't subsiding. The number of insolvencies has reached the highest August level in 13 years. This marks yet another unfortunate record. Even the current slight economic upward movement cannot halt this development. The structural effects of years of crises and stagnation run too deep. The financial reserves of many businesses have been depleted. At the same time, sustained high cost pressures leave companies with little room for investment and growth.

A look at the current DIHK economic survey underscores the fragile situation. 28 per cent of businesses in Germany anticipate worse business conditions, whereas only 15 per cent expect improvement. Simultaneously, burdens remain high: 67 per cent of businesses cite energy and raw material prices as business risks, 58 per cent point to economic policy framework conditions, and 56 per cent mention labour costs. Thus, a self-sustaining economy-wide upswing is still a distant prospect.

Moreover, the DIHK does not foresee any relief in business closures for the remainder of the year. For the whole year 2026, we anticipate about 26,000 corporate insolvencies. That would average more than 70 insolvencies per day, the highest annual figure since 2012.

Economic policy now has the opportunity to establish the prerequisites for substantial recovery. Businesses need significant relief from labour and energy costs, less bureaucracy, and reliable framework conditions for investment. Only if companies can once again invest and grow independently will the wave of insolvencies come to an end.”