2,051 companies took part in the current IW survey. At 32%, almost a third of companies expect significant disadvantages due to higher energy costs, 28% fear severe losses as a result of a weaker global economy. Industrial companies in particular are severely affected and 40% expect significant competitive disadvantages due to high energy costs in Germany. Around a third also assume that global trade will be affected and that their own sales opportunities will therefore deteriorate.
18% of those surveyed expect competitive disadvantages due to different environmental standards, and at least 10% expect sales restrictions due to US import tariffs. Because the USA is an economic heavyweight, the EU must appear united and defend its interests, demands the IW. “The new Trump administration will put German companies under pressure. Above all, a coordinated European strategy can ensure the competitiveness of European companies,” says study author and IW economic expert Michael Grömling.
