The business climate index for the German printing and media industry improved significantly in August 2026. The seasonally adjusted business climate index compiled by the BVDM showed an increase of 9.8 per cent compared with the previous month. The business situation remained unchanged, whilst expectations for the coming six months improved.
In August, decision-makers surveyed by the ifo Institute assessed their current business situation as unchanged from the previous month. Assessments regarding the next six months are significantly more optimistic.
The seasonally and calendar-adjusted business situation index recorded only a minimal change of -0.2 per cent in August compared with the previous month. This development is attributable to companies’ assessment of the situation remaining unchanged. None of the companies surveyed rated their current business situation as positive; 15 per cent rated it as negative, whilst 85 per cent considered the situation to be satisfactory.
By contrast, the assessment of the order book improved in August: 7 per cent of the companies surveyed rated their order book as positive, 67 per cent as satisfactory and 26 per cent as negative. This trend can also be observed in the question regarding the development of the demand situation compared with the previous month. 12 per cent of the companies surveyed stated that the situation had improved, whilst 13 per cent saw a deterioration. 75 per cent assessed the demand situation as unchanged.
Business expectations amongst companies in the printing and media industry for the coming six months were optimistic in August. 27 per cent of companies expect business conditions to improve, whilst 18 per cent anticipate a downturn. 55 per cent of respondents expect business conditions to remain unchanged over the next six months. The resulting seasonally adjusted balance improved to +1 percentage point, having stood at -34 percentage points the previous month.
BVDM
The Federal Association of Printing and Media (BVDM) is the umbrella organisation for the German printing industry. As an employers’ organisation, a political trade association and a technical trade association, it represents the positions and objectives of the printing industry in dealings with politicians, public authorities, trade unions and the supply industry. The BVDM is supported by eight regional associations. Internationally, it is organised through its membership of Intergraf and FESPA. The printing industry currently comprises around 6,300 predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises, employing more than 99,000 people subject to social security contributions.
