Oberberg companies: improvement in mood despite uncertainties!

Oberberg companies: improvement in mood despite uncertainties!

The economic conditions have changed significantly in the last five years. The challenges of Corona, the war in Ukraine and the return of Donald Trump as US President have left deep marks. In addition, high trade tariffs continue to burden many companies. A current survey by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) shows that, despite slight improvements, entrepreneurs in the Oberberg region are still skeptical about the economic situation. Loud ksta.de 651 companies took part in the spring 2025 survey, which was conducted from March 25th to April 10th. Of these, 118 come from Oberberg, including 53 industrial companies.

Although companies' expectations have improved, there is still no optimism. Only 17% of companies report a good business situation, while 31% report a bad situation. Last year the numbers were similar, highlighting the uncertainty in the region. 16% of those surveyed believe that business development will improve, while 25% expect a less favorable development. The willingness to invest also shows a slight upward trend, but remains negative, as 36% of companies plan to spend less.

Willingness to invest and employment prospects

Companies' willingness to invest is slowly developing positively, but many companies continue to hesitate. According to the IHK Potsdam, almost 40% of companies do not invest, whereas before the pandemic this proportion was only 25%. High prices, increased interest rates and poor economic policy conditions are cited as the main risks. In the Oberberg region, a third of companies plan to reduce the number of employees, which means worrying prospects for economic stability.

The high level of uncertainty regarding domestic demand, labor costs and energy prices increases entrepreneurs' skepticism. Over 60% of companies cite these factors as key risks. As the IHK Potsdam survey shows, the majority of companies remain dissatisfied with the current business situation. Only around every fourth company in industry sees the situation as positive, while nine out of ten industrial companies expect the business situation to remain the same or worse. These developments show a pronounced tendency to stagnation.

Outlook and forecasts

The consequences of the pandemic, rising energy prices and geopolitical instability cast a shadow over the economic recovery. Future surveys will show whether the current slight optimism can lead to a real economic upswing in the region. The IHK describes the current situation as a sideways movement that may not change significantly. Employment development remains below zero, and only the service sector expects a slight increase in staffing levels.

The coming months will be crucial in regaining the trust of companies and sustainably increasing their willingness to invest. It remains to be seen to what extent current trends will play an indicative role for future economic development in Oberberg and beyond.