The shortage of materials in German industry has eased slightly. In April, 75.0% of companies complained about bottlenecks and problems with the procurement of primary products and raw materials. In March, the figure was still 80.2 percent. This is according to a survey by the ifo Institute. "There can be no talk of a radical easing of the situation," says Klaus Wohlrabe, head of ifo surveys. "In addition to the war in Ukraine, the focus on China is causing increasing concern."
At 91.9 percent, manufacturers of data processing equipment are the hardest hit by the shortage of materials. The proportion is also very high in the automotive industry at 89.1 percent. Among food manufacturers, the proportion has risen to around three quarters. In the chemical industry, on the other hand, the proportion has fallen to 61.7%, down from 70.5% in March. "At the moment, there are no signs that there will be any substantial relief in the coming months," adds Wohlrabe.
