German growth slowing in 2019 as 'air is getting
thinner': DIHK
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[October 18, 2018]
By Michael Nienaber
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Chambers of
Industry and Commerce DIHK on Thursday cut its 2018 growth forecast to
1.8 percent from 2.2 percent and predicted a slowdown to 1.7 percent
next year as Europe's largest economy faces mounting risks at home and
abroad.
The forecasts are based on the assumption that global trade disputes do
not escalate and Britain does not crash out of the European Union
without a deal, as companies cited a shortage of skilled labor as a
particular domestic concern.
"The air is getting thinner, the concerns are getting bigger," DIHK
Managing Director Martin Wansleben said.
"Companies are noticeably more cautious about their business outlook, we
see the biggest deterioration in business expectations in four years."
Wansleben said the revised forecast was "disappointing" but there was no
risk of recession.
According to the DIHK autumn survey, companies scaled back business
expectations to 11 points from 17 in spring. Morale regarding current
conditions remained at 45 points.
The survey of around 27,000 managers, the biggest of its kind, found
that companies viewed shortages of skilled labor and rising labor costs
as the principal risks for their business outlook. Construction,
transport and health services were among the sectors most affected.
Wansleben called on government and parliament to quickly pass a planned
immigration law to attract more skilled workers from outside the
European Union.
"But a modern immigration law is not enough. Germany also needs to do
more to become a more attractive, more welcoming place for foreigners -
otherwise nobody will come," he said.
[to top of second column] |
: German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds a 3d printed figure of
herself at the Siemens booth during a media tour at the world's
biggest industrial fair, "Hannover Fair", in Hanover, Germany, April
24, 2017. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo
Protectionist U.S. trade policies and Brexit remained a concern, limiting
willingness to invest. DIHK expects gross capital investments growth to slow to
2.9 percent in 2019 from 3.3 percent this year.
"Given the rapid pace of change, for example in global trade policies or
digitalization - and the unclear outcome of Brexit, it is becoming more
difficult for companies to foresee a clear trend in their business development,"
DIHK said.
Imports should outpace exports this year and next, DIHK said, a sign that
domestic demand can provide a buffer against external shocks.
DIHK saw state consumption rising 1.4 percent in 2018 and 2.5 percent in 2019,
while private consumption is forecast to increase 1.4 percent and 1.8 percent.
Companies will continue to hire more staff this year and next, but the pace of
job creation will slow from 580,000 new positions in 2018 to 500,000 in 2019,
DIHK said.
(Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
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