Export expectations down slightly according to ifo

The ifo export expectations fell to 3.8 points in February 2023. In January, the figure was still 4.1 points. Sentiment among German exporters has deteriorated slightly. Hopes for German exports are dampened due to weak global demand.

Disillusionment has returned to the chemical industry. After a hopeful start to the new year, companies now expect export business to remain constant. The situation is the same for food and beverage manufacturers. In the metals sector, on the other hand, the skeptical voices decreased noticeably.

However, no growth in foreign sales is foreseeable. In the furniture industry, export expectations turned positive again for the first time since May 2022. There is slight confidence here, as in mechanical engineering. The automotive sector expects exports to rise.