DIHK foreign trade director Trier said ECB rate hikes, while understandable amid persistent price pressures, will be difficult for many companies to absorb and could push up corporate financing costs. He urged the German government to implement measures to stimulate investment and growth, warning, "This will particularly affect SMEs seeking to invest in new equipment, digitalisation, AI applications, energy efficiency and fundamental business-model transformation."

2026-09-10

DIHK foreign trade director Trier said ECB rate hikes, while understandable amid persistent price pressures, will be difficult for many companies to absorb and could push up corporate financing costs. He urged the German government to implement measures to stimulate investment and growth, warning, "This will particularly affect SMEs seeking to invest in new equipment, digitalisation, AI applications, energy efficiency and fundamental business-model transformation."