Artikel zu: Trade
Steel Production in 2026: Market Conditions, Trends, and Outlook for Germany
German steel production faces major challenges in 2026. Following a historic low of 34.1 million metric tons of crude steel in 2025, the first few months of 2026 show an increase of 9.9%, global overcapacity, U.S. tariffs, and the launch of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) continue to...
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The Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: UAE Responds with New Ports—EU and Germany Feel the Impact
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is planning to build a new port and container terminal on its east coast to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes in response to Iran’s blockade of the strait, which has been in place since February 2026 and is...
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The German Export Economy in 2026: Current Developments and Challenges
In 2026, the German export sector will show the first signs of a slight recovery, but will continue to be marked by uncertainty. The latest data from the ifo Institute and the Federal Statistical Office as well as reports from The News provide a nuanced picture of the current...
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Retail in Crisis: Why City Centers Will Continue to Lose Stores in 2026
The economic situation in the German retail sector remains tense—and the consequences have long been evident in many city centers. Vacancies, store closures, and a noticeable decline in consumer confidence characterize the landscape. Current forecasts paint a clear, if alarming, picture for the year 2026.
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Middle East Conflict: Atradius Eases Rules for Credit Insurance Customers
The credit insurer Atradius wants to actively support its customers in the Middle East. To that end, it is now offering greater flexibility in payment processing and in dealing with potential delays.
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You Ask—We Answer: How can I finance purchases of goods despite long payment terms?
“How can I finance large purchases of goods when my customers have long payment terms?” Many companies are familiar with this problem: For large orders, goods must first be purchased or produced. At the same time, customers demand long payment terms of 60, 90, or even 120 days. This...
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Corporate Insolvencies at Record Levels: Why Action Is Needed Now
In 2025, there were more corporate bankruptcies and major insolvencies than at any time in the past ten years. This makes it all the more important for companies to identify domino effects early on and take targeted countermeasures.
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