German Economy Bounces Back: From Stagnation to Growth

After three challenging years, Germany's economy has emerged from stagnation, largely due to a surge in consumer spending and significant government fiscal efforts. This marks the end of a prolonged period of economic downturn and signals the beginning of a cautious recovery.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's expansive spending plan aims to boost economic growth despite the turbulent backdrop of declining exports and industrial investment. The German economy grew by 0.2% in 2025, meeting analysts' expectations and regaining pre-pandemic GDP levels, though investment in machinery and equipment remains a concern.

Fiscal stimulus focused on infrastructure and defense spending plays a pivotal role in this recovery. While 2025 saw government spending rise by 5.1%, exports suffered a 0.3% decrease amidst global trade challenges. However, experts remain cautiously optimistic about the potential momentum for future growth.