Germany news: VW profits slump as war and tariffs bite
Key takeaways
- Germany's economy is growing more than expected, despite rising energy costs and uncertain export markets.
- 04/30/2026April 30, 2026Germany economy grows 0.3% in first quarterGermany's economy expanded by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a faster-than-expected recovery.
- Data from the Federal Statistics Office shows growth was driven by higher private and government spending, as well as rising exports.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Germany's economy is growing more than expected, despite rising energy costs and uncertain export markets. Meanwhile, VW reports a sharp drop in profits, as pressures mount on Europe's largest carmaker. DW has more.
https://p.dw.com/p/5D2v HVW continues to be pressured by weak sales in China and the United States Image: Kirchner-Media/IMAGOAdvertisement Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Volkswagen reports a sharp profit decline at the start of the year amid weaker sales and industry headwinds Net profit fell 28.4% year-on-year amid geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, stricter regulations and intense competition Growth data is set to be published with economists expecting at best only minimal expansion Here is a roundup of the top headliness from and about Germany on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
04/30/2026April 30, 2026Germany economy grows 0.3% in first quarterGermany's economy expanded by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a faster-than-expected recovery.