German industrial companies continue to suffer particularly badly from supply chain disruptions compared to other European countries. This is shown by the latest supply chain report from reichelt elektronik. The survey institute OnePoll interviewed more than 1500 industrial companies in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain for the fourth edition of the study.

Germany leads the way in production losses

32% of German companies reported that supply bottlenecks had a strong impact on their business - more than in any other country surveyed. This is particularly evident when it comes to production stoppages: in Germany and the Netherlands, companies had to interrupt their production for an average of 26.3 and 26.8 days respectively. In Spain, the average was 16.7 days.

Semiconductors in particular remain in short supply: 44% of German companies report problems with procurement. This is well above the European average of 35% and 21 percentage points above the Netherlands at 23%. Sensors are also in short supply more frequently: 37% of German companies report shortages, compared to 20% in Spain.

German companies fare better with other components. Battery bottlenecks affect around 24% of German companies, compared to 37% in the Netherlands. French and Italian companies report more problems with developer boards (31%), while Germany has the lowest figure here at 19%.

Calls for less bureaucracy

German companies also see a greater need for political action. 55% call for a greater reduction in bureaucracy within the European Union - more than in any other country surveyed. In the Netherlands, only 39% cite administrative hurdles in the single market as a problem.

German companies also report more difficulties with digitalization: 50% see challenges here. In France, this figure is 31%.

Different expectations for the future

Across Europe, 52% of the companies surveyed expect the supply situation to ease. Companies in Spain (66%) and Italy (62%) are particularly optimistic. In Germany and the Netherlands, 48% share this view, in France 40%.

German companies are also more critical of political risks: 68% see political decisions as a threat to their business, compared to 48% in France. 66% of German companies also rate the global economic situation as difficult. In Spain, this figure is even higher at 76%.

Christian Reinwald, Head of Product Management & Marketing at reichelt elektronik © reichelt electronics

"The study clearly shows that German companies were particularly hard hit by the challenges in global trade," says Christian Reinwald, Head of Product Management & Marketing at reichelt elektronik. "In addition to ongoing supply chain problems, there are new export tariffs and political uncertainties. This is not only reflected in the growth figures of recent years, but also in the mood. While other European countries are reacting more flexibly to crises and are sometimes more optimistic about the future, Germany is groaning under the strain. Nevertheless, it would be too early to throw in the towel. German companies still have unique expertise and great innovative potential. These strengths can help to overcome the current difficult situation and remain competitive in the long term."