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A deterioration in the payment behaviour of business-to-business (B2B) customers was reported by 60% of companies in our survey of Germany. Customer payment delays are driven by a combination of economic pressures, operational constraints and liquidity challenges. Companies across all industries report ramping up efforts to prevent long-overdue B2B payments turning into uncollectable receivables.
Despite this worsening trend in payment practices, 54% of companies across various industries kept their credit offerings and payment terms almost unchanged from last year in order to maintain strong customer relationships. Currently, 47% of B2B sales are made on credit, with average payment terms of 60 days. 43% of companies across industries are increasingly turning to invoice financing to speed up cash inflows, using outstanding receivables as collateral.
The B2B payment landscape is expected to remain challenging in the year ahead by German companies. 62% of companies across the various industries of our survey anticipate an increase in B2B customer insolvencies during the coming 12 months. Concern about the outlook for the insolvency risk outlook is complemented by worry about worsening Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). There is also widespread uncertainty about trends for inventory turnover, leaving businesses unable to predict if they will be able to free up cash from stock to bridge liquidity gaps.
Amid ongoing economic turbulence, 70% of businesses are looking to strengthen a combined approach to payment risk management – using internal provisions alongside external protections like credit insurance. This suggests a growing awareness that a dual approach to payment risk mitigation is the path German companies plan to choose in the current challenging economic and trading landscape.
German businesses say they are bracing for a tough few months ahead, with rising input cost volatility, stricter regulatory demands, and the growing challenge of finding and keeping skilled workforce topping their list of concerns
German construction companies are navigating a complex payment risk landscape. B2B credit sales remain steady compared to the same period last year, accounting for 49% of transactions. Overdue payments are also relatively stable, impacting around two-thirds of B2B invoices. In one notable change bad debts have declined to 5%. Most businesses have maintained or extended payment terms to support business customers, attempting to stay competitive in a price-sensitive industry. Against this backdrop, Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) has remained mostly stable, with more companies experiencing quicker collections than slower ones.
Key industry figures and charts are provided in the report available for download below on this page.
Amid growing economic pressure and rising trade uncertainty, the German machinery sector is balancing customer support with the need to safeguard financial stability. 52% of B2B sales are currently made on credit, with 80% of businesses saying they have either maintained or increased their credit offerings and payment terms. Over half of B2B invoices are overdue, and bad debts account for an average of 10% of total receivables. This impacts liquidity and raises concerns over the long-term sustainability of current trade credit policies, especially as payment collection is slowing across the sector.
Key industry figures and charts are provided in the report available for download below on this page.
As potential impacts from US trade policies loom, Germany’s automotive industry has adjusted its B2B credit strategy. Credit sales are down 20% from last year, with most businesses keeping payment terms unchanged to limit credit risk. However, some have relaxed terms to foster customer relationships and sustain revenue. Overdue B2B invoices have increased by 12% from last year, but bad debts have decreased, indicating better debt recovery. Steady inventory levels and supplier payment timelines show that businesses are carefully managing their working capital and liquidity.
Key industry figures and charts are provided in the report available for download below on this page.
For a complete overview of the 2025 survey results for Germany, download the full report available in the related documents section below.
To explore more on how these insights can strengthen your own credit risk strategy, speak with us at Atradius to see how we can help you stay ahead.
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