Material shortages are an increasing problem for industrial enterprises in Germany. According to Ifo data, in May 15.9 percent companies reported bottlenecks in the supply of semi-finished products, in April it was 13.8 percent. “Supply chains remain under strain,” said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of research at Ifo, quoted by “Handelsblatt”. — “In particular, sectors with high demand for oil-based and energy-intensive semi-finished products are feeling the effects of geopolitical tensions,” he added.
The problems are caused by disruptions in the supply of crude oil and petroleum products caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. As Klaus Wohlrabe emphasizes, the number of companies reporting shortages is alarmingly high. “It is quite possible that several companies will have to reduce production as a result of shortages,” warns an expert quoted by “Handelsblatt”.
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The chemical industry is particularly affected by interruptions in supplies of materials – over 30 percent report shortages here. companies. The situation is also difficult for producers of rubber and plastic products, among which the percentage of companies affected by shortages has increased to 23.7 percent. In the electrical industry, every fourth company reported problems with the supply of materials. The automotive industry, with a ten percent rate, has a relatively low score.
Consumer-oriented sectors, which until now have been largely protected from shortages, are in the best position. The Ifo Institute stressed that no shortages have been reported in the beverage industry. Among food producers, this percentage was 6.9%.
