«Worse than in the crisis of 2008» – Germany was hit by a wave of bankruptcies

Germany has seen a sharp increase in corporate bankruptcies, which analysts predict will continue in 2025 and 2026 after a record high in 2024. Last year, the number of bankruptcies reached a historic high.

The number of insolvent companies is expected to grow by 11% to 24,400 cases in 2025, and by another 3% to 25,050 in 2026. About 210,000 jobs will be at risk. In the first quarter of 2025, 16 large companies filed for insolvency, although this is three fewer cases than a year earlier.

Experts attribute the increase in bankruptcies to the «tariff storm» initiated by Donald Trump and expect further losses in 2025. Companies from the textile trade, automotive components and healthcare remain the most vulnerable.

In 2024, the number of major bankruptcies reached 87 cases, an increase of 36% compared to the previous year, and the total turnover of the affected companies exceeded 17.4 billion euros. Jurgen Filippi, a bailiff liquidator, argues that the current wave of bankruptcies is «worse than in 2008,» as directors increasingly abandon attempts to revive unprofitable companies.