Insolvenzen: So viele Firmenpleiten wie seit 2013 nicht mehr

Despite the economic recovery, the number of company bankruptcies in Germany has reached its highest level in 13 years in the first half of the year, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Amtsgerichte reported 12,812 requested corporate insolvencies, representing a 6.7% increase compared to the same period last year, the office announced on Friday.

The last time such a high number was recorded was in the first half of 2013, when there were 13,253 cases. Mostly affected were companies in the sectors of transportation and warehousing, followed by the hospitality industry and construction. The Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer (DIHK) economist Marc Evers attributed the surge to the slow-moving domestic recovery, rising energy and labor costs, and excessive bureaucracy, stating that these factors are choking many businesses.

In June alone, as many companies had to close their doors as in the past 14 years. To move away from such negative records, the federal government needs to focus on the competitiveness of businesses and quickly implement reforms. Meanwhile, there is also a founding boom: between January and June, 3,053 startups were established – the most ever and 52% more than in the previous half-year, the startup association reported.