Key facts
- Nearly half a million jobs lost in German industry since 2019.
- Automotive sector and suppliers cut 123,500 jobs.
- Metal products manufacturers cut 115,600 jobs.
- Mechanical engineering sector cut 64,500 jobs.
- Service sector added over 2.2 million jobs.
German industry has lost nearly half a million jobs since 2019, with 496,000 fewer people employed at the end of 2025 compared to the start of 2019, a drop of 7.1%. This decline is attributed to mounting competitive pressure, particularly against China, according to an Ifo study released Monday. The automotive industry and its suppliers were among the hardest hit, cutting 123,500 jobs, a 13% decrease. Manufacturers of metal products and mechanical engineering also saw significant job losses, accounting for about 60% of the total cuts in these three sectors. Meanwhile, the service sector experienced growth, creating over 2.2 million jobs, primarily in health, social services, and public administration.