Germany · Country watch

IG Metall Strikes Begin, Gen Z Protests Turn Violent

IG Metall initiates strikes in the metal sector; Gen Z protests escalate into violence, affecting business operations.

Florent Kalfon · 1 November 2026 · 8 articles read

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Business conditions in Germany are deteriorating as IG Metall strikes disrupt the metal sector and Gen Z protests escalate into violence, affecting retail and public services. The new EU import fee adds cost pressures for importers.

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In this briefing European Union · IG Metall · Alexander Dobrindt · Gen Z

Regulation

Logistics
Retail

EU imposes new fee on non-EU package imports

Deutsche Post text — Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash

The EU has introduced a new fee of two euros per item for imports from non-EU countries, such as China, starting in November, reports Sueddeutsche.de. This measure aims to curb the influx of cheap packages entering the EU market. The fee is expected to affect online retailers and logistics companies handling imports.

Impact Online retailers and logistics firms importing from non-EU countries face higher costs due to the new EU fee.

Sources: Sueddeutsche.de ↗

Disruption

Manufacturing

IG Metall launches strikes in metal industry

IG Metall has initiated warning strikes in Germany's metal and electrical industries, starting just after midnight. The strikes, dubbed 'midnight actions', are part of a campaign to secure job security and maintain purchasing power amidst challenging economic conditions, reports Handelsblatt. These strikes are expected to impact operations across the sector, with further actions planned for the coming week.

Impact Manufacturers in the metal and electrical sectors face operational disruptions as strikes commence.

Sources: Handelsblatt ↗

Internal tension

Retail
Public sector

Gen Z protests turn violent in Frankfurt and Cologne

Violence erupted in Frankfurt and Cologne following Gen Z protests, resulting in injuries and looted stores, according to ARD Tagesschau. The protests, initially peaceful, escalated into chaos as demonstrators clashed with police. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt attributed the violence to 'left-wing groups and chaotic elements'. Authorities are responding with increased security measures.

Impact Retailers and public services in affected cities face disruptions and increased security costs.

Sources: ARD Tagesschau ↗, ZEIT ↗, Hamburger Abendblatt ↗, Handelsblatt ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Safety & health · Companies · Markets · Trade · Politics.