Economy: Number of company bankruptcies continues to rise in double digits

The number of company bankruptcies in Germany continues to rise in double digits. Based on preliminary data, the Federal Statistical Office counts 12.6 percent more registered insolvency proceedings for November than a year before. With the exception of June 2024, the growth rate has been double-digit since June 2023. It is still unclear whether all cases will actually be brought to the point where they will be included in official statistics by the insolvency courts.

But the trend is also upwards in the proceedings that have already been opened: from the 1st to 3rd quarters of 2024, the district courts reported 16,222 corporate insolvencies according to the final results. According to the Wiesbaden statisticians, that was 22.2 percent more than in the same period last year. Transport and storage, construction and catering were particularly affected. The last time there were more company bankruptcies in the nine-month period was in 2016, with 16,480 cases.

The wave of insolvencies is likely to increase in 2025

The credit agency Creditreform expects 22,400 corporate bankruptcies in Germany by the end of the current year. That would be the highest level since 2015. Next year, the numbers could reach the peak of the crisis year of 2009 with more than 32,000 cases.

The list of problems for entrepreneurs is long: high energy costs, problems in the supply chains, looming trade conflicts, excessive bureaucracy, political uncertainty, and consumer reluctance to consume. In addition, exceptions with which the state tried to prevent a wave of bankruptcies during the corona pandemic have expired.

Federal Statistical Office: Time series of insolvencies Federal Statistical Office: Business advertisements and insolvencies Federal Statistical Office Insolvencies 11/2024