Companies in Offenbach's city and county continue to express skepticism about their economic outlook
In a recent statement, Markus Weinbrenner, CEO of the Industry and Commerce Chamber (IHK) Offenbach am Main, emphasised the urgency for a positive economic turnaround, stating that "Now it's 'Economy first!'". Amidst growing concerns and challenges, the IHK Offenbach has urged the new federal government to focus clearly on the economy and restore Germany's economic strength.
While specific policy measures demanded by the IHK Offenbach were not explicitly stated in the search results, it is likely that key areas of emphasis might include the improvement of the investment climate, support for innovation and digitalisation, regulatory and bureaucratic relief, sustainable economic policies, strengthening infrastructure and labor market frameworks, and the expansion of energy infrastructure in a market-oriented manner.
The IHK Offenbach is particularly concerned about high labor costs, rising energy and raw material prices, weak domestic demand, and uncertain economic policy framework conditions, which are concerns shared by 52.7%, 55.2%, 61.2%, and 66% of surveyed companies, respectively.
To address these concerns, the IHK Offenbach has proposed administrative simplification to significantly accelerate planning and approval processes, a reduction of the tax burden to ensure a competitive overall tax burden in international comparison, and the promotion of innovative technologies for environmental and climate protection, as well as an efficient circular economy.
Weinbrenner expressed worry about the possibility of Germany drifting into economic mediocrity and questioned whether the new government can make the German economic location attractive again. He believes that clear reforms and determined measures can relieve companies and strengthen confidence in the economic location.
Infrastructure modernisation, both analog and digital, is essential for comprehensive renewal, according to the IHK Offenbach. The economic climate index in Offenbach am Main in 2025 is significantly below the growth threshold of 100 points at 89.1 points.
The IHK Offenbach aims to restore the economic strength of Germany, and for precise, up-to-date information on their policy priorities, it would be best to consult IHK Offenbach am Main's official publications or recent press releases directly.
The IHK Offenbach suggests focusing on administrative simplification, tax burden reduction, and promoting innovative technologies to address concerns such as high labor costs, rising prices, weak demand, and uncertain economic policy conditions that are shared by a majority of surveyed companies. To make Germany's economic location attractive again, Weinbrenner believes clear reforms and determined measures are necessary, along with infrastructure modernization in both analog and digital sectors.
