German firms positive about future despite higher risks: DIHK survey

In its World Business Outlook survey, Germany’s DIHK Chambers of Commerce and Industry showed that a majority of the German companies remain optimistic over foreign markets, despite rising political and trade risks, Reuters reports.

Key Findings:

Some 40 percent of the 5,100 companies surveyed during March and April by the DIHK Chambers of Commerce and Industry said they expected positive economic developments in foreign markets over the next 12 months, the highest percentage since the survey began in 2015.

Only 10 percent said they expect economic deterioration and 50 percent forecast no change.

DIHK said: “Companies are seeing more barriers to trade, and political crises and economic uncertainties like Brexit are also noticeable,” DIHK said in its World Business Outlook survey. Nevertheless, the world economy continues to do well and the German economy is benefiting from this given its international nature.”