Business Climate in Germany’s Chemical Industry Worsens Slightly

The ifo Business Climate in Germany’s chemical industry deteriorated somewhat in September to -19.3 points, down from -16.3 points* in August. While assessments of the business situation remain virtually unchanged, business expectations are now gloomier. “The chemical industry faces a great many challenges,” says industry expert Anna Wolf of the ifo Institute.

Companies rate their order backlog as very low. Demand from abroad is also becoming weaker, as reflected in September’s drop in export expectations. Companies’ income assessments are turning more and more critical. “Bright spots were essentially non-existent in September. Germany’s chemical industry is experiencing a severe crisis,” Wolf says.

*Seasonally adjusted