The economic and political sentiment among German consumers is worsening, according to a European survey by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The study reveals that 62% of Germans view the economic situation negatively, a 10-percentage-point increase from the previous year. Additionally, two-thirds express dissatisfaction with the political climate. Conducted in April among 16,000 consumers across nine European countries, the survey shows that negative assessments of the economic situation are even more pronounced in France and Britain, at 70%. In Germany, nearly a third of consumers are concerned about their personal financial situation, up from 25% last year. Despite declining inflation rates, 70% of respondents fear further price increases. However, concerns about geopolitical risks are significantly lower. Although the survey coincided with the U.S. government’s announcement of global tariff increases in early April, this was a concern for less than a third of surveyed Europeans. “Consumers focus on visible price increases, underestimating how strongly trade conflicts can influence prices and supply,” said Karin von Funck, senior partner and consumer goods expert at BCG.
— new from Reuters
