Key facts
- German corporate insolvencies reached a 13-year high in the first half of 2026.
- There were 12,812 corporate insolvency filings between January and June.
- This represents a 6.7% increase year-on-year.
- Transportation and warehousing were the most affected sectors.
- Creditors' claims amounted to approximately €18.5 billion, down from €28.2 billion a year earlier.
- Consumer insolvencies rose 2.4% to 38,932 cases.
The number of corporate insolvencies in Germany reached a 13-year high in the first half of 2026, with local courts reporting 12,812 filings. This figure represents a 6.7% increase year-on-year. The transportation and warehousing sectors were the most affected.
The last time a higher figure for the first half of the year was recorded was in 2013, when 13,253 cases were reported. Despite the rise in the number of insolvencies, the estimated value of creditors' claims fell significantly to around €18.5 billion ($21.5 billion) from €28.2 billion in the same period last year. This decrease is attributed to fewer economically significant companies becoming insolvent in the first half of 2026.
Consumer insolvencies also saw a slight increase of 2.4%, totaling 38,932 cases. These figures emerge as Germany's economy shows signs of recovery, expanding more strongly than initially estimated in the second quarter and with business morale reaching its highest level in a year in August.