Wholesaling (Germany):
More favourable business situation

Wholesalers evaluated their current situation again a little more positively than in the previous month. Improvements were reported in industrial B2B trade as well as in non-durable consumers, whereas a worsening was registered in consumer durables and in food and beverages. The slight inventory pressure remained unchanged, on average. The six-month outlook worsened somewhat, with the exception of B2B trade. The firms have accordingly revised their order plans downwards, but they again see somewhat greater chances of raising prices in the coming months. Eastern German wholesalers reported a slight worsening of their business situation, as inventories expanded involuntarily. The scepticism with regard to the business outlook abated again, however, which is expressed in the less restrictive order plans. A continuation of clear price increases is likely.