New DIHK-Flyer: Economic Trends in Germany (July 2010)
The general economic recovery is accelerating. Almost 2 years after the culmination of the economic crisis, the optimists among business experts far outweigh the number of skeptics. With a positive balance of 31 points, the expectations of industry have even reached their second-best value in history. (Download PDF)

BDI Foreign Economic Report 03/2010 (July 2010)
“BDI considers eight percent export growth likely in 2010”, said BDI Director General Werner Schnappauf about the current outlook for foreign trade when presenting the new BDI Foreign Economic Report. “The German export engine is working again. Business is now calling on the G8 and G20 states to resolutely address the issues of financial market regulation and distortions of competition at their forthcoming summit in Canada” In the last three quarters, exports increased by an average rate of 4.5% on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Despite this growth, first quarter exports are still 12% below pre-crisis levels. (more)

German American Business Outlook (November 19, 2009)
Economic survey finds optimism among German companies in the US 
81 percent do not plan further layoffs for 2010
While 43 percent of German companies reduced their headcount in 2009, 81 percent do not foresee further cuts in 2010 – an early indicator that the major wave of lay-offs is ebbing.  Almost three quarters of the firms maintain a positive outlook and expect moderate growth for 2010.  Industries, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and infrastructure show the greatest potential for further growth. The German American Business Outlook, a new annual survey evaluating transatlantic trade relations and assessing German investors’ projections for the U.S. economy, addressed over 1,600 German subsidiaries in the U.S. It was conducted by the German American Chambers of Commerce (GACCs) in cooperation with the Representative of German Industry & Trade and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. 10 percent of senior management responded, 75 percent of which belong to the German Mittelstand. (more)
Survey Results (PDF)

DIHK Survey Going International 2009  (November 5, 2009)
Experiences and Perspectives of German Companies in Business Abroad
Results of the IHK Business Survey 2009 at a glance
Global business of German companies generate jobs and growth - even in hard economic times: A 2009 nationwide survey of the Chambers of industry and commerce (IHK), involving over 2.300 companies with business abroad, shows that the German export economy has been hit hard by the financial crisis: 78 percent of the companies are currently experiencing troubles concerning their order situation as well as missed market opportunities including the ability to find reliable business partners in their target markets. The stimulus packages injected into the economies of many nations have in fact increased business opportunities, yet not without its disadvantages, as many obstacles have arisen. As well, the results of the survey include basic practical experiences and perspectives of German companies related to their business on foreign markets from a middle- to long-term point of view – against the background of the present economic crisis and the view towards better times ahead. An overview of the results in English can be downloaded here: (PDF)

RGIT Spcecial Report on the border tax provisions set forth in ACES (HR 2454) as passed in June through the U.S. House of Representatives
The United States Congress is debating legislation to address climate change. In June the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), a groundbreaking bill that would create a nationwide system to cap and trade greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and implement a host of other measures to boost energy efficiency and promote renewable energy.  The bill has moved to the Senate where six committees are preparing a consolidated text. Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) set September 28 for the committees to finish but it remains unclear, given other priorities, especially health care reform, if the deadline will be met. (PDF)

German Foreign Trade Survey 2009 (DIHK-AHK)


Statement by Dr. Axel Nitschke, Vice President International, Association of German Chambers of Commerce (DIHK) (excerpts):
German exports are expected to increase by 4 percent in 2010 after experiencing a steep decline of 17 percent in this year. The increase is the result of the improving global economy, fueled by cyclical growth patterns, national economic stimulus measures, and low interest rates around the world. Germany’s foreign trade surplus will shrink to 110 billion EU in 2009. In 2008, the trade surplus was 177 billion Euros.
Our partners in the European Union, first and foremost the countries of the Euro zone, are the primary drivers of this return to growth. The first indications of recovery are coming, therefore, from precisely those countries where German exports had declined so sharply at the beginning of the crisis. There is even reason for cautious optimism regarding exports to the United States, despite the risks. It is possible the U.S. will shift from being an object of particular concern – the country most responsible for the economic crisis – to a bearer of hope for the German export industry. Avoiding protectionist measures is an important prerequisite for overcoming the crisis. Accordingly, the written declarations agreed at the G-20 Summit in April in London must be observed rigorously.
Download survey (German only) as PDF