Economic crisis in Germany: Heitmann warns of a wave of insolvencies!

Economic crisis in Germany: Heitmann warns of a wave of insolvencies!

The economic situation in Germany remains tense and the media is increasingly reporting on the challenges that companies are currently facing. These include increasing bankruptcies, high energy costs as well as dilapidated infrastructure and bureaucratic obstacles. These problems affect all industries, as Frank Heitmann, owner of Minden Westhafen, explains in a recent conversation. The Westhafen plays a central role in freight transport, but the number of ships handled has fallen sharply since the corona pandemic. Before the pandemic, the estimated 350 ships would be handled annually by 2024, only 94 would be handled.

The steel industry in particular suffers from high energy costs, which leads to a reduction in production. This also has a direct impact on the transport orders that are processed via the Westhafen. Heitmann also points out the dramatic decline in the market for recycled glass: current transport is only a third of the previous volume. Licensing issues in gravel and sand mining areas further complicate the situation as companies often limit themselves to the bare essentials and postpone major investments.

Rising bankruptcies threaten the economy

The insolvency situation in Germany has worsened significantly in recent years. In 2024, almost 22,000 bankruptcies reached the highest level since 2015. In March 2025, the number of bankruptcies rose to 1,459 - an increase of two percent compared to the previous month. This development primarily affects industry, construction and trade. Tobias Wahl, a specialist lawyer for insolvency law, sees the high numbers not only as current economic problems, but also as catch-up effects after the corona pandemic.

An alarming example is the Meeth company in Wittlich, which had to close at the end of April 2025. 90 employees lost their jobs and the company's internal situation, including faulty IT systems, turned out to be catastrophic. The search for a new investor was unsuccessful, which made the process even more complicated. Jürgen Philippi, auctioneer, warns of even more serious developments in the automotive and construction industries, while the Federation of German Industries (BDI) is calling for relief for companies.

Political decisions as a key factor

Frank Heitmann also addresses the role of political decisions that could significantly influence future development. The decline in company start-ups and the high density of companies show that the current framework conditions are provoking a structural crisis. High energy costs and increased raw material prices are putting pressure on companies, while a shortage of skilled workers and high interest rates are further exacerbating the situation.

From the perspective of Heitmann and many other entrepreneurs, a fundamental reform is necessary to regain trust in the economy and address the challenges. The uncertainties in the economic situation remain great and the coming months will be crucial for the future of numerous companies in Germany.

The complicated market situation and the constantly growing number of corporate bankruptcies make it clear how serious the current economic situation is. The pioneering work of entrepreneurs like Frank Heitmann and the ongoing discussion about the role of politics are essential to bringing about a turnaround in the German economy.

The information comes from Petershäger Anzeiger and daily news.