The expectations of companies in the Romanian-German business community regarding the Romanian economy have worsened quite a lot compared to last year, with an increase of about 20 percent in pessimistic expectations (2024 - 38%, 2025 - 57%), shows a survey conducted by AHK Romania in spring.
Nevertheless, the outlook for their own business remains unchanged for 38% of the companies surveyed, while 37% of them foresee better economic prospects (2024 - 40%). Most companies (62%) assess their current situation as "satisfactory", while the number of optimists continues to fall (28%), having been on a downward trend for the past three years. By comparison, last year, 59% of companies rated their business situation as "satisfactory" and 33% as good.
In this economic context, the firms' willingness to invest is also decreasing. Whereas in 2024, 46% of companies maintained their intention to invest, in 2025 their number has dropped to 38%. For 30% of companies surveyed, investments will drop in 2025, compared to 20% of companies last year.
As a result of falling demand and cost pressures, business entities plan to reduce the number of employees and increase productivity. Thus, 34% of companies said they will lay off personnel, compared with 18% last year. 41% of firms will maintain their staff, the same percentage as in 2024.
In terms of risks to business growth, companies said that declining market demand, economic and political framework conditions, and labor costs are jeopardizing their growth. What last year was seen as a risk, namely the shortage of skilled workers, is now taking a back seat. However, for 48% of firms, lack of skilled staff remains a risk factor. Measures to counteract this are, according to most firms, continuous employee training and digitalization, but also closer cooperation with educational institutions. The lack of qualified staff has led to higher wage costs for 20% of the companies surveyed, a reduction in current activities (for 15%) and a reduction in planned investments (for 14%).
In terms of investment location characteristics, Romania gains points for its European Union membership, availability of local suppliers, infrastructure and conditions for research and development. Companies criticized the access to state aid and European funds, the level and system of taxation, but the biggest dissatisfaction was related to the lack of predictability of economic policies. There were also negative comments about political and social stability, the fight against corruption, public administration, transparency of public tenders, legal stability and the lack of qualified personnel.
The May 18 presidential elections were very important in clarifying the country's future political direction, the research shows. Continuing the pro-European path is crucial for companies as it provides predictability and stability.
"However, political and economic challenges have not diminished at all. The business community is waiting for a comprehensive reform agenda so that Romania's growth potential in many sectors of the economy can be fully utilized and existing economic imbalances can be reduced. Increasing competitiveness and the economy must be the guiding principles of the new government's economic policies," Sebastian Metz, general director of AHK Romania, commented on the results of the survey in the context of the current political situation.
The survey was conducted by AHK Romania together with 15 other bilateral German chambers of commerce in Central and Eastern Europe, between March 1 and March 31, 2025, on a sample of 82 member companies of AHK Romania and other companies with German capital in Romania. By sectors of activity, the participation of companies was as follows: 43% services, 34% industry, 10% trade, 10% construction, 3% energy and water supply. AGERPRES
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