Shockwaves from the Middle East Hit the Global Economy – German Companies’ Overseas Business Remains Resilient Despite Pressure
The conflict in the Middle East has abruptly halted the fragile recovery of the global economy. Following a brief glimmer of hope in the Fall of 2025, global economic expectations among German companies operating abroad are once again declining significantly. This is shown by the latest AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2026 from the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), based on feedback from more than 4,500 German companies surveyed worldwide through the networks of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs).
Rising energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and fluctuating demand are putting increasing pressure on international business. “Hopes for an economic recovery have been dashed. The global economy is in crisis mode, and companies are feeling the impact directly,” says DIHK Head of Foreign Trade Volker Treier. “The war in the Middle East once again highlights ju
