German Industry Cuts 127,300 Jobs Despite 1.7% Sales Rise in Q1

3 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 25

127,300 industrial jobs disappeared in Germany by the end of Q1 2026, a 2.3% year-on-year drop even as sector sales posted their first annual increase in about three years.
1.7% sales growth followed 10 straight quarters of decline, but EY said the rebound was driven largely by metals while most other industries remained under pressure after years of weak demand.
32,000 automotive jobs were cut over the past year, making carmakers the hardest-hit segment; since 2019, the sector has lost about 125,800 positions.
341,500 industrial jobs have vanished since 2019—just over 6%, or one in 17 roles—and EY warned overcapacity, weak domestic demand and export-market problems could still trigger plant closures.

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