AHK Romania Publishes 2025 Business Survey Results

AHK Romania has released the results of its “AHK Business Survey”, showing a notable decline in business sentiment within the Romanian-German business community. The outlook on the Romanian economy has significantly worsened compared to last year, with the proportion of pessimistic respondents rising by around 20 percentage points (2024: 38%, 2025: 57%), according to the spring 2025 edition of the business climate survey conducted by AHK Romania.

Despite this, 38% of companies report unchanged expectations regarding their own business prospects, while 37% remain optimistic about improvements (down slightly from 40% in 2024).

Most companies (62%) rate their current business situation as “satisfactory”, though the share of optimists continues to fall, now down to 28%. This marks the third consecutive year of decline. By comparison, in 2024, 59% of companies described their business situation as satisfactory and 33% as good.

Rising Trend: Reduced Investments and Workforce Downsizing

In this economic context, companies' willingness to invest is also decreasing. While 46% of companies planned investments in 2024, only 38% do so in 2025. Meanwhile, the number of companies planning to cut investments rose to 30%, compared to 20% last year.

Due to declining demand and rising cost pressures, companies are increasingly looking to cut jobs and boost productivity. This year, 34% of companies say they intend to reduce staff—almost double the 18% reported in 2024. Meanwhile, 41% plan to maintain current staffing levels, unchanged from last year.

Main Business Risks: Weak Demand and Unstable Political & Economic Conditions

When asked about risks to business development, companies cited weak market demand, economic and political uncertainty, and rising labor costs as the most pressing threats. Last year’s top concern, shortage of skilled labor, has now moved to second tier—but remains relevant.

For 48% of companies, the lack of qualified personnel is still considered a risk. The most common countermeasures identified include continuous employee training, digitalization, and closer cooperation with educational institutions.

The skilled labor shortage has led to increased wage costs for 20% of companies, reduced business activity for 15%, and delayed or scaled-down investments for 14%.

Romania’s Top Asset: EU Membership

When evaluating Romania as an investment location, companies continue to see its EU membership as the country’s greatest asset. Other advantages include the availability of local suppliers, infrastructure, and conditions for research and development.

However, companies voiced concerns about access to state aid and EU funds, the level and structure of taxation, and above all, the lack of predictability in economic policies. Additional concerns include political and social stability, corruption control, public administration efficiency, transparency in public procurement, legal certainty, and skilled labor shortages.

The presidential elections held on May 18 were seen as pivotal in determining the future political course of the country. The business community views the continuation of a pro-European direction as crucial for ensuring predictability and stability.

“Nevertheless, political and economic challenges remain unresolved. The business community expects a comprehensive reform agenda to unlock Romania’s growth potential across various sectors and to address current economic imbalances,” said Sebastian Metz, CEO of AHK Romania, commenting on the survey findings in the context of the current political landscape.

“Enhancing competitiveness and strengthening the economy must become the guiding principles of the new government’s economic policy.”

About the Survey

The survey was conducted by AHK Romania in cooperation with 15 other German bilateral chambers of commerce in Central and Eastern Europe. The data was collected between March 1–31, 2025, and includes responses from 82 member companies of AHK Romania and other German capital firms operating in Romania.