In addition to the regularly recurring questions on enterprise metrics, expectations and access to loans, the Bundesbank frequently asks enterprises questions on various current issues. A selection of the results is presented here.

Burden of bureaucracy on firms

In the third quarter of 2025, firms were asked again about what they perceived as their most pressing problems. An evaluation of the results on the topic of “regulations and government rules”, split by firms size, defined as number of employees, is shown here. Overall, the perceived burden caused by bureaucracy grows as the number of employees at a firm rises.

Expected impact of US trade policy

Also in the third quarter of 2025, firms were asked how they expected the new US tariffs and any potential EU retaliatory tariffs would affect their pricing over the next 12 months. 42 % of firms stated that they expected their prices would rise as a result of the new US tariffs.