Germany sees 21‑year high in corporate insolvencies in Q2 2026

The Leibniz Institute for Economic Research in Halle (IWH) reported that 4,996 companies filed for insolvency in Germany between April and June 2026 – the highest quarterly total since the second quarter of 2005. June alone recorded 1,702 filings, 12 % more than May and 20 % above June 2025, roughly 80 % higher than the 2016‑2019 average.

For the first half of the year the total rose to about 12,900 corporate bankruptcies, the strongest level in more than two decades. In April 2026, courts registered 2,276 insolvencies, 7.1 % more than a year earlier, and 8,551 cases were recorded from January to April – a 6.7 % year‑on‑year increase. Creditors’ claims fell to €13.9 billion, down from €22.5 billion the previous year, reflecting fewer large‑company failures.

The German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK) warned that the wave affects almost all sectors, with transport and warehousing showing the highest insolvency rate per 10,000 firms, followed by hospitality and construction. One in five firms now faces liquidity stress, especially small and medium‑sized enterprises. Analysts cited lingering effects of the pandemic and high energy costs as key drivers of the surge.