Economy in MV: Companies wait – skepticism and uncertainty remain!

Economy in MV: Companies wait – skepticism and uncertainty remain!

The economic situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has shown stagnating tendencies since the beginning of 2025. According to a current economic survey by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK), almost half of the companies surveyed report an unproblematic financial situation. Nevertheless, around a third of companies say that they are suffering from a decline in equity. In addition, over 20 percent have difficulties with liquidity.

The survey, conducted between April 4 and 30, 2025, covered 818 companies in the industrial, construction, commercial, services, transport and hospitality sectors. With a response rate of 28 percent, the survey shows clear trends in the corporate environment. Despite the stable financial situation, many companies do not expect a significant improvement in their business situation.

Current challenges and perspectives

Business expectations were assessed as slightly positive, which is due to an improved order situation. However, more companies plan to reduce their investments than to increase them. The main threats that companies see are rising labor costs and high prices for energy and raw materials. In particular, uncertainty about future economic and financial policy is a cause for concern.

Matthias Belke, President of the Schwerin Chamber of Industry and Commerce, explained that the company management is reluctant to invest under the current political conditions. IHK general manager Torsten Haasch is also calling on politicians to take decisive measures to relieve the burden on the economy in order to overcome the challenges.

Despite the critical circumstances, some companies are seeing bright spots. There was a slight improvement in the financial situation compared to the beginning of the year. Over three quarters of respondents said they were able to maintain the size of their workforce. But general skepticism remains high: only 9 percent of those surveyed believe that the economic situation will improve soon.

Economic developments and discrepancies

The economic situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is relatively stable, but there is no economic recovery in sight. The survey notes that only a third of companies expect better business. Hopes lie primarily in a debt package from the federal government that promises to strengthen the economy.

Rising labor costs and unfavorable economic policy conditions pose further challenges. Over half of companies describe these aspects as significant risks. High energy prices and weak domestic demand are increasing market uncertainty. Local political decisions, such as the increase in the overnight stay tax in Schwerin, also have a negative impact on the trust of companies.

In 2024, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania achieved a gross domestic product (GDP) of around 61.2 billion euros, which represents an increase of 3.5 percent compared to the previous year. With growth that exceeds the German average, the federal state has achieved the second best GDP growth among the German federal states. A significant factor in this is the booming arms industry, which plays an important role according to the Ifo economic research institute.

Overall, the economic situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania remains characterized by a mixed picture, in which stability and challenges go hand in hand. Companies and chambers are calling for a comprehensive analysis and political measures to shape future developments positively.

For more information about the survey results and the economic situation in the region, see We are Müritzers as well as NDR.