Wednesday, September 23, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Germany · Country watch

Evonik Job Cuts, EU-Philippines Trade Deal

Evonik plans to cut 3,200 jobs in Germany; EU and Philippines agree on a free trade deal.

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Germany are deteriorating as Evonik announces significant job cuts, and energy price spikes threaten prolonged inflation in the Eurozone. The EU-Philippines trade deal offers some relief but is not yet finalized.

In this briefing Evonik Industries · Philip Lane · European Central Bank · Eurozone · Ursula von der Leyen · European Union · Philippines

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • manufacturing

Evonik to cut 3,200 jobs in Germany

Evonik Industries AG, a leading German specialty chemicals company, announced plans to cut 3,200 jobs, primarily in Germany, as part of a restructuring strategy. The company aims to focus on growth in Asia and America, reallocating tasks across six German sites, Handelsblatt and DIE WELT report. This move is part of ongoing efforts to adapt to structural challenges in the industry.

Impact Employers in the manufacturing sector face workforce reductions, affecting 3,200 positions.

Sources: Handelsblatt ↗, DIE WELT ↗

Markets

  • energy
  • finance

Energy price spikes may prolong Eurozone inflation

European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip Lane warns that recent spikes in oil and gas prices could prolong inflation in the Eurozone, Handelsblatt reports. The ECB is considering another interest rate hike in October to manage inflationary pressures. Energy prices remain a significant concern for financial markets.

Impact Lenders and borrowers in the Eurozone face potential interest rate hikes amid prolonged inflation.

Watch The ECB may raise interest rates in October. · 1 October 2026

Sources: Handelsblatt ↗

Trade

  • manufacturing
  • pharma
  • agriculture

EU and Philippines agree on free trade deal

The European Union and the Philippines have reached a preliminary agreement on a free trade deal aimed at enhancing trade and investment, Handelsblatt and ARD Tagesschau report. The agreement will open new export markets and stabilize supply chains, particularly benefiting machinery, pharmaceuticals, and pork exports. Finalization is expected in the coming months.

Impact Exporters of machinery, pharmaceuticals, and pork in the EU gain access to new markets in the Philippines.

Sources: Handelsblatt ↗, ARD Tagesschau ↗, Handelsblatt ↗, Handelsblatt ↗

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Germany

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

All Germany briefings →

The same day elsewhere