Economy in Aachen: Companies ahead of the frosty future

Economy in Aachen: Companies ahead of the frosty future

The regional economy in the district of Heinsberg and the Aachen city region is pessimistic in the third year in a row. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Aachen describes the current situation as the most difficult phase for many years. General Managing Director Michael F. Bayer addressed the frosty atmosphere and attributed this to the results of the latest IHK business survey. This survey took part in 333 companies that together represent more than 22,500 employees. It is particularly striking that the business situation and the expectations of the majority of companies have been negative for the first time since 2009, so rp-online.de .

The economic survey of the IHK Aachen revealed that over a third of the companies surveyed did not expect a positive change in the economic situation for 2024. This is in accordance with the low expectations that prevailed at the beginning of 2023. The companies are faced with challenges such as inflation, lack of workers and high energy costs. As eifelschau.de , 14 percent of the companies have registered short-time work, while 10 percent expect it at short notice.

economic challenges

Current data show that the unemployment rate in the Aachen region is 6.6 percent, which remains below the national average of 7.2 percent, but above a national average of 5.7 percent. Despite the more pessimistic mood, some companies rate their business positively: a third reports good business, while every fifth entrepreneur is dissatisfied.

The yield situation has improved slightly, but remains negative overall. The utilization of production capacities is 78 percent, significantly below the long -term average of 80.9 percent. In the service sector, 41 percent of entrepreneurs are satisfied, while 15 percent report dissatisfied. In the construction industry, the mood with 58 percent is satisfied with the best feedback since autumn 2019, as the IHK Aachen states.

export markets and personnel requirements

The expectations of companies regarding export also show a concern: each third company expects less demand from abroad. The decline in export sales is reflected in the sunken yields, since 39 percent of the companies report declining income. In retail, 40 percent report on good business, while a quarter is dissatisfied. This challenging situation is also evident in the investment intentions: 20 percent of companies plan to increase their investments, while 21 percent are striving for reducing their expenses.

An alarming sign is the personnel requirement, since 52 percent of companies actively seek school leavers and trainees. 45 percent are looking for specialists or university graduates. These developments indicate that the economic uncertainty of recent years has been firmly anchored in the heads of the entrepreneurs. Above all, the IHK Aachen now has to develop suitable measures and perspectives to stabilize and promote the economy in the region, so dihk.de .