IHK survey - Companies are cautious about the new year
An upturn in the Saar economy is still not in sight. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Saarland announced on Monday in Saarbrücken that companies were "very cautious" about the new year. According to a survey, only 4 percent of companies expected business to improve over the next six months, while 17 percent expected it to deteriorate. The remaining 79 percent expected business to remain the same. According to the IHK, around 300 companies with over 100,000 employees took part in the survey in December.
In December, the Saar economy remained without momentum - in view of the weak overall economic situation, high cost burdens and increasing uncertainties. "The decisions made by the coalition government for the 2024 budget are unfortunately sobering," said Managing Director Frank Thomé. "A regulatory course that combines growth, prosperity and climate neutrality is not discernible."
Instead of continuing to persist with "small details", a major overhaul with clear priorities and investment incentives is urgently needed. The planned abolition of the subsidy for grid fees and the higher CO2 pricing would lead to significantly higher energy prices. "This additional cost burden creates the opposite of what is needed now, namely confidence for more investment and a real spirit of optimism in the country," said Thomé.
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- Despite the cautious outlook from Saarland's companies as revealed by the IHK survey, associations are urging for a significant overhaul in economic policy, aiming to stimulate investment and boost confidence in the region's economic situation.
- The economic situation in Saarbrücken has been stagnant, with the IHK survey revealing that only 4% of companies anticipate an upswing in the next six months, while 17% expect deterioration.
- In light of the economic challenges faced by Saarland's businesses, the IHK Saarland appealed to the coalition government to adopt a regulatory course that fosters growth, prosperity, and climate neutrality, instead of implementing measures like the proposed abolition of grid fees subsidy and higher CO2 pricing, which could lead to increased energy costs and further deteriorate business sentiment.
Source: www.stern.de
