Destatis

Business

German Factory Orders Surge in December, Offering Glimmer of Hope for Ailing Economy

German factory orders soared 7.8% in December, the strongest monthly gain in two years and far exceeding analyst forecasts, sparking cautious optimism that the industrial heart of Europe may be stabilizing.

Business

German Beer Sales Plunge to Historic Low in 2025, Reflecting Deepening Consumer Gloom

Germany's beer market suffered its sharpest annual decline on record last year, with total sales plummeting 6% to 7.8 billion litres. The historic drop extends a decade-long slump, driven by weak consumer sentiment and soaring costs, though non-alcoholic options show a glimmer of growth.

Business

German Retail Sees Modest 2025 Growth, Powered by E-commerce Despite Second-Half Slowdown

German retail sales grew 2.7% in real terms in 2025, driven primarily by online channels, though momentum slowed significantly in the second half of the year. Industry forecasts for 2026 remain cautious amid persistent consumer headwinds.