212 - Is Germany Kaput? Lessons for Australia in a Deglobalising World
Description
This week, the Dismal Science turns its attention to Europe’s economic powerhouse - Germany.
We examine the country's recent economic struggles, exploring the reasons behind its faltering performance, including the war in Ukraine, rising energy costs, and the rise of Chinese manufacturing.
We discuss whether these challenges are merely cyclical or point to deeper structural issues with the German economic model.
With a shrinking workforce, rising fiscal pressures, and declining global trade, is “Germanification” a cautionary tale for other advanced economies, including Australia?
We also examine the impact of China's growing dominance in key industries, particularly the automotive sector, where Chinese companies are now leading the world in EV production. Can Germany adapt and compete, or is its era of economic dominance over?