Demand for mobility and logistics
The economic environment in 2025 was again characterized by weak economic development in Germany and moderate development in Europe, as well as geopolitical crises. Demand for mobility continued to rise. In freight transport, demand was once again significantly impacted by a downturn in industry and construction activity.
| Development of key macroeconomic indicators compared to the previous year / % | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| World trade (in real terms) | |||
| Trade in goods | +4.9 | +3.7 | –0.8 |
| GDP | |||
| World | +3.0 | +2.8 | +2.9 |
| USA | +2.3 | +2.8 | +2.9 |
| China | +5.0 | +5.0 | +5.4 |
| Japan | +1.2 | –0.2 | +0.7 |
| Europe | +1.6 | +1.4 | +1.0 |
| Eurozone | +1.5 | +0.8 | +0.5 |
| Germany | +0.3 | –0.5 | –0.7 |
The price and calendar-adjusted data correspond to the findings and assessments available as of February 2026.
Source: Oxford Economics
Global economic growth in 2025 was above the previous year’s level. While China remained on a stable growth path, the USA lagged slightly behind the previous year’s performance. Japan returned to a moderate growth path in 2025.
Global trade also increased again in 2025. Global industrial production expanded and global trade in goods trended upwards despite US tariff policy. The effects of US tariff policy observed to date are primarily reflected in trade diversion. Although US imports from China fell year-on-year, Chinese exports as a whole increased significantly. In addition, capital expenditures in AI-related products increased, particularly in Asia and North America. A noticeable dampening effect on the global economy has so far failed to materialize, also because the actual tariff increases were lower than originally announced. The agreement reached between the US and China in fall 2025, including the suspension of Chinese export restrictions on rare earths, helped to ease tensions.