Mixed economic situation in the craft sector: optimism prevails!

Mixed economic situation in the craft sector: optimism prevails!

In Cologne, the trade sector presented a mixed picture in the second half of 2025. The economic survey of the Dortmund Chamber of Crafts shows that 581 companies took part in the survey. 83 percent of companies rate their economic situation as good or at least satisfactory, which hardly differs from the 84 percent in the previous year. But expectations for the coming winter half-year are more optimistic: 80 percent of companies are looking positively into the future (previous year: 77 percent).

Regional differences are noticeable, especially between the Ruhr area, where 82 percent of companies are optimistic, and the Dortmund-Hagen-Lünen region, where 78 percent are rather reserved. The Hellweg-Lippe region, on the other hand, stands out with the best assessment of the business situation, with 84 percent being satisfied.

Stability and challenges

HWK President Berthold Schröder points out that more companies have stopped hiring while the order books are thinning. 34 percent of companies report a loss of orders, while 24 percent report an increase. Companies are no stranger to challenges such as falling demand and rising costs. In addition, 27 percent of companies show that they have reduced their investments.

The fluctuations in employment development are also notable: 23 percent of companies have hired more employees, while 19 percent have cut staff. District master craftsman Wolfgang Hoffmann emphasizes the stability in the craft, even if there are no big jumps. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for innovative impulses to increase the willingness to invest.

Acute shortage of skilled workers

The shortage of skilled workers remains an increasingly pressing issue. According to the Federal Employment Agency this remains in the craft. Demand for skilled workers is declining, with 130,000 jobs reported in August 2024 — a 6 percent decline compared to the same month last year. Professions in plant mechanics, energy technology as well as construction and expansion professions are particularly affected.

A worrying point is that 38 percent of training positions in the skilled trades are unfilled, while in other areas of the industry the figure is 31 percent. There are particular difficulties with training positions in the butchery and bakery trades as well as in the metal professions.

Conclusion and outlook

Despite the challenges, there are good prospects for the current training year in the skilled trades, as various employment and youth employment agencies offer support. The demand for early regulation of succession in companies and political underpinnings is still relevant. It remains to be seen whether the necessary investment incentives will come in time to stabilize and improve the situation in the craft sector.