The conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are severely impacting German companies at their international locations. Over 4,500 internationally active companies participated in a survey conducted by the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) in spring 2026 – with sobering results: Economic expectations have plummeted into negative territory. Energy prices are rising rapidly, supply chains are disrupted, and demand remains uncertain.
Companies are reacting cautiously: investments are being cut, and personnel planning is more conservative. At the same time, businesses are adapting their strategies and increasingly focusing on supplier diversification, developing new sales markets, and increasing local production.
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"Hopes for an economic recovery have been dashed. The war in the Middle East demonstrates once again how vulnerable globally interconnected value chains are."
