German craft sector economic trends

Reports from various regional chambers of crafts indicate varying levels of growth and recovery across Germany. In the Reutlingen district, the number of registered businesses increased by 83 establishments by mid-2026, driven by new entries in non-regulated trades such as photography and building cleaning. This period also saw the recognition of 77 apprentices in regional championships, with officials noting increased female participation in traditionally male-dominated technical trades.

In southern Thuringia, the business climate index rose to 60 points in the third quarter of 2026, signaling an upward trend following previous stagnation. Improvements were observed in construction, services, and food trades, with average order backlogs increasing to eight weeks. Similarly, in Saxony-Anhalt, the number of master craftsman graduates rose to 151, with automotive technology and electrical engineering being the most prominent fields. Regional leaders have emphasized the need for new talent to address demographic challenges.