What is your summary of 2025?
Compared to previous years, we consider 2025 to be a very good year. Both our order situation and our sales are very satisfactory, and we are recording noticeable growth.
How have your target markets developed? Were there any positive or negative surprises?
While Germany and Europe are weakening, US business has surprisingly developed positively, despite tariffs and subdued consumer sentiment. However, our biggest growth spurt is coming from Asia. Through our own WAGNER locations in India and Vietnam, we are already investing heavily in future markets and creating the necessary infrastructure. We can already see very clearly that our stronger international focus is having an effect.
What developments do you expect for international markets next year?
Our dependence on China is low – the market was only attractive to Western companies in the short term until local suppliers caught up. We are therefore focusing on the entire Asian region and now have a very good and balanced distribution of sales there. Our broad base gives us security and growth potential and strengthens our international position.
What are your expectations for 2026 in terms of general economic development, both at the European and global level? What do you expect specifically for your company's areas of activity?
For 2026, I expect at most a minimal improvement in Germany and Europe, if any. Asia is likely to continue to grow slightly. Developments in the US are difficult to predict. However, I tend to assume that growth there will remain on a stable course. In Europe, the crisis in the automotive industry will have a wider impact and affect suppliers in particular – the effects will be felt particularly strongly in Germany. I expect positive economic impetus to come more from South America.
What other expectations do you have for 2026, and what challenges do you see?
I do not expect a noticeable recovery in demand in 2026. Europe remains a challenging business location: growth prospects are limited and international competition continues to increase. Europe and Germany in particular are coming under increasing pressure, especially when it comes to key issues for the future. The central task will therefore be to remain competitive in this environment and not lose any more ground.
Source: MO website
