Germany's Industrial Output Plummets Amid Economic Challenges

Germany's industrial output in June fell to its lowest point since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by dwindling foreign demand and rising competition from China, according to data released on Thursday. The federal statistics office reported a 1.9% month-on-month drop, exceeding the 0.5% decline anticipated by analysts in a Reuters poll.

Overall production reached its worst level since May 2020, a period marked by economic contraction due to the pandemic. The second quarter saw a 1.0% production decline, drawing parallels with early 2020 levels, as stated by the statistics office.

Although some signs of industrial recovery were evident earlier this year, the downward trajectory has persisted into 2025, said Franziska Palmas, senior Europe economist at Capital Economics. She noted poor medium-term industry prospects due to weak growth in Europe and China, compounded by increasing Chinese competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)