Eng
Germany’s logistics indicator for Q1 2025 remains at a low level and the business environment remains tight for both shippers and logistics service providers.
The decline in truck toll mileage index, an important forward-looking indicator of economic activity, is a worrying sign. The truck toll mileage index decreased by 0.1% in January 2025 and by 2.5% in February 2025 month-on-month, and was 2.8% lower in February year-on-year.
The ifo Institute confirms that the business climate in the logistics sector continues to deteriorate. The climate index dropped to 83.2 points. The business environment in trade and industry also continued to deteriorate compared to the previous quarter. Companies are complaining about a shortfall in orders and are increasingly pessimistic about the next six months.
The loss of competitiveness of Germany’s industry is becoming more and more pronounced. Exports to China have suffered the most, falling in real terms for the third year in a row. In recent years, China has turned from a buyer of German goods into a competitor.
The European Association of Freight Forwarders International (ELVIS) AG warns of a downsizing of the fleet in its current Q4 2024 market report. According to ELVIS, many freight forwarders have downsized their fleets by 5–10% as economic uncertainty and rising costs take their toll on the sector.
Source: trans.info