Due to trade dispute: German companies fear for existence

Survey by “Wer liefert was”

The trade dispute between the US, China and Europe has been worrying many German companies for months. A survey by Wer liefert was (wlw) now shows that even some entrepreneurs fear for their existence.

The experts from wlw asked 500 German decision-makers about their opinion concerning the dispute and the impact on Europe. The result: 25 percent think that the existence of their company is threatened by the trade dispute. Especially large companies are bothering these worries. For companies with 50 to 249 employees, the figure is only 26 percent, but for companies with more than 500 employees it is almost 40 percent.

However, the majority of respondents (62 percent) is positive and thinks that Europe is prepared for a trade dispute with the US. Nevertheless, most people (68 percent) wish for an early settlement of the dispute.

Impact on sales due to the trade dispute unclear

As consequences of the conflict, the respondents called positive as well as negative effects. 30 percent believe that sales markets will shift. Almost the same number of decision makers believes that sales will decline in the concerned countries the US, China and India.

The respondents disagree about whether the dispute over import duties has a positive or negative impact on sales. 17 percent believe that sales decline, 18 percent believe that sales are rising. Around 30 percent believe that the trade dispute will have no consequences. This opinion is supported especially by companies with ten or fewer employees (59 percent).