NewsGerman industry eyes relocation amid rising energy costs

German industry eyes relocation amid rising energy costs

Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz
Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz
Images source: © Getty Images | Pool
Malwina Gadawa

4 August 2024 12:02

The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce reports that high prices and the inability to plan energy supplies are more than ever obstacles to production and investments for companies in Germany. They add that the migration trend among industrial enterprises is becoming increasingly noticeable.

Four of ten industrial enterprises are considering reducing their production in Germany or moving it abroad due to the energy situation. More than half of industrial enterprises employing over 500 people are already considering this, reports the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

German companies are thinking about relocation

The trust of the German economy in energy policy is severely damaged, comments Achim Dercks, deputy director of the German Chamber.

He added that politicians have not yet succeeded in showing companies a perspective of reliable and affordable energy supplies.

The number of industrial companies considering restricting production or relocating abroad is steadily increasing—from 21% in 2022 to 32% in 2023 and 37% currently. The trend is above average in the case of industrial enterprises with high electricity costs: 25% in 2022, 38% in 2023, and 45% in 2024, according to data presented by the German Chamber.

Dercks points out that opinions show that continuing business operations this way is dangerous for Germany as a business location. Therefore, companies expect politicians to significantly rethink energy policy towards a credible perspective with less detailed control.