The third quarter of 2024 has witnessed a record surge in corporate insolvencies in Germany, with 3,991 cases of partnerships and corporations declaring bankruptcy. This marks the highest level since the financial crisis of 2010, which recorded 4,071 insolvencies. The increase is attributed to economic weakness and residual effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, government support programs artificially suppressed insolvency rates, which are now correcting.
The rise in insolvencies is not uniform across the country. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have experienced the most significant increases, with insolvency rates climbing by 56% and 42% respectively. Notably, business-related services saw insolvency rates increase by 31%, while the real estate and housing sectors reported a staggering 69% rise.
The economic downturn has been exacerbated by the slow recovery from the pandemic, with many companies unable to sustain operations without the previously available government aid. The impact extends beyond small businesses to larger enterprises, resulting in significant job losses. In September alone, the insolvencies of larger companies resulted in 23,000 job cuts.
As Europe navigates these economic challenges, experts predict that insolvency rates may continue to rise in the coming months. The German government has revised its economic forecast for 2024, anticipating further difficulties. Meanwhile, the European Court of Auditors has criticized the slow uptake of COVID-19 relief funds, which could have further mitigated the current financial strains on businesses. The situation calls for vigilant economic policies to stabilize the market and support affected sectors.
