Germany's industrial sector continues to suffer significant workforce losses. According to data published by the Federal Employment Agency of Germany, 177,000 jobs were cut in the sector in 2025, with the automotive industry taking the hardest hit.
As of December 2025, 6.5 million employees subject to mandatory social insurance remained employed in the manufacturing sector, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total number of insured workers in the country. Meanwhile, overall employment in the economy decreased by 108,000.
The largest losses were recorded in the automotive sector, where 52,000 jobs were cut among auto manufacturers and parts suppliers. The metallurgy sector lost 24,000 jobs, while machinery manufacturing lost 28,000 jobs.
The agency also warns that the process of layoffs is not yet over. At the end of June, the agency's president, Andrea Nahles, stated that the industry is losing an average of about 15,000 jobs per month.
The German economy has been in a prolonged crisis for several years. Initially, this was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and later the situation worsened due to the cessation of Russian gas supplies and geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran.
