Core Insights - The number of companies applying for standard bankruptcy procedures in Germany increased by 19.2% year-on-year in July 2025, marking the largest increase since October of the previous year [1] - The Federal Statistical Office noted that standard bankruptcy procedures are only included in statistics after the first ruling by the bankruptcy court, indicating that actual bankruptcy applications often occur about three months earlier [1] Bankruptcy Statistics - In May, a total of 2,036 companies reported bankruptcy applications, representing a 5.3% increase compared to the same month last year [1] - The total claims from creditors amounted to approximately €3.2 billion, which is lower than the €3.4 billion reported in the same period last year [1] - The transportation and storage sector experienced the highest frequency of bankruptcies, with 10.9 bankruptcies per 10,000 companies, followed by the construction sector (9.4) and the accommodation and food service sector (9.0) [1] Economic Context - Economic experts from the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) indicated that the economic crisis in Germany is ongoing, with the past two years of economic recession having weakened the liquidity of many companies [1] - The Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) suggested that the increase in bankruptcies is not only related to economic downturns but also to the long-term effects of low interest rates that previously suppressed bankruptcies and government support during the pandemic that allowed some already fragile companies to survive [1] - Since mid-2022, rising interest rates and the cessation of aid have triggered a "compensatory effect" leading to increased corporate bankruptcies [1]