Augsburg's economy: Optimism is growing, but uncertainties remain!

Augsburg's economy: Optimism is growing, but uncertainties remain!

New economic prospects are emerging in Augsburg, even if the overall situation remains uncertain. Ellen Dinges-Dierig, chairwoman of the Augsburg-City IHK regional assembly, and Dr. Antonio Fernández, CEO of Hosokawa Alpine AG, presented the results of the current IHK economic survey, in which around 830 companies from production, trade and services took part. This survey took place between April 1st and 23rd, 2025.

The evaluation shows that the economic index in Augsburg, at 109 points, is above the Bavarian-Swabian average of 104 points and the general Augsburg economic area, which is 105 points. The positive trend is leading to a cautious improvement in the mood among entrepreneurs, even if many still perceive the current business situation as challenging.

Optimistic outlook and support for innovative strength

It is clear that Augsburg companies' expectations of future business development are increasing. These optimistic prospects are based on increased confidence in the coming months. Nevertheless, reluctance to innovate among customers remains a serious issue, as it requires concrete measures to promote investments. The IHK also addresses structural challenges, particularly company succession, which is becoming increasingly important given the average age of entrepreneurs of 48.1 years.

The wishes of the new federal government are also clearly defined: entrepreneurs are demanding a reliable economic policy framework such as tax relief, reductions in bureaucracy and investment incentives. The picture is complemented by the results of the IHK economic survey, which indicate that 64 percent of companies rate the current business situation as good and more than half report that they are operating at full capacity.

Domestic demand and foreign markets

Domestic demand remains stable, with 37 percent of the companies surveyed recording an increase in domestic order volumes. While foreign markets are also developing positively, but at a slower pace, many companies are feeling uncertainties in trade relationships, especially with North America. A third of companies are reporting increasing orders abroad, although almost as many are reporting a decline.

Service companies in particular are currently benefiting from the good economy and rate the business situation as positive. The construction industry is also showing satisfaction, while the retail sector is struggling with slight declines in private consumption. At the same time, there is optimism in industry on the one hand - despite the negative effects on foreign trade.

Risks and challenges

The survey also cites risks for future development, such as the tight labor market situation, the availability of skilled workers and rising labor costs. Companies are critical of the economic policy environment, especially in view of the discussions about diesel engines and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Overall, the picture is of a stable but challenging economic situation in Augsburg. The focus is on the demand for targeted political measures and greater support for innovations in order to ensure sustainable positive development. b4bschwaben reports the survey results and supplements this with details from daz-augsburg, which also provide interesting insights into the economic situation.