2025年德国B2B支付实践趋势

B2B paymentpractices trends In this report About the Atradius The Atradius Payment Practices Barometer is an annual survey ofbusiness-to-business (B2B) payment practices in markets across theworld. Our survey gives you the opportunity to hear directly from businessestrading on credit with B2B customers about how they are coping withevolving trends in customer payment behaviour. Staying informedabout these trends is vital because it helps to identify emerging shifts in Businesses operating in – or planning to enter – the markets andindustries covered by our survey can gain valuable insights from ourreports, which also shed light on the challenges and risks companies This report presents the survey results forGermany. The survey was conducted between the end of Q1 and the beginning ofQ2 2025. The findings should therefore be viewed with this in mind. B2B paymentpractices trends Germany shifts working capital management A deterioration in the payment behaviour of business-to-business(B2B) customers was reported by 60% of companies in our survey ofGermany. This worrying trend was highlighted by the finding thatoverdue invoices currently affect an average 57% of all B2B sales oncredit. Customer payment delays are driven by a combination of Despite this worsening trend in payment practices, 54% of companiesacross various industries kept their credit offerings and paymentterms almost unchanged from last year in order to maintain strongcustomer relationships. Currently, 47% of B2B sales are made oncredit, with average payment terms of 60 days. To ease growing cashflow pressures that stem from the combination of stable trade credit This significant shift in working capital management reflects abroader trend among German businesses as they adjust their paymentrisk mitigation strategies to strengthen resilience amid the challengesof an unpredictable trading landscape. There is a strong recognitionacross all industries of the importance of strategic payment risk Key figures and charts Germany Germany % of the total value of B2B invoices paid on time, What are the top 4 reasons your B2B customers payinvoices late? (% of respondents - multiple response) Source: Atradius Payment Practices Barometer Germany –2025 Germany Germany % of respondents reporting changes in Days SalesOutstanding (DSO)* over the past 12 months What are the main sources of financing that yourcompany used during the past 12 months? (% of respondents) Looking ahead Volatile economic and trading environment sparkswidespread concern over growing financial strain The B2B payment landscape is expected to remain challenging inthe year ahead by German companies, making it crucial tomaintain steady cash flow management during the comingmonths. 62% of companies across the various industries of oursurvey anticipate an increase in B2B customer insolvencies duringthe coming 12 months. This highlights growing concern aboutfinancial vulnerabilities, particularly in the construction sector. In consequence, German businesses are cautious aboutexpectations for sales performance and profitability. The potentialfor international trade to face severe disruptions in the comingmonths makes it increasingly difficult to forecast demand, planproduction or allocate resources effectively. A key concern is the Amid ongoing economic turbulence, 70% of businesses are lookingto strengthen a combined approach to payment risk management– using internal provisions alongside external protections likecredit insurance. This suggests a growing awareness that a dualapproach to payment risk mitigation is the path German Key industry insights Construction German construction companies are navigating a complex paymentrisk landscape. B2B credit sales remain steady compared to the sameperiod last year, accounting for 49% of transactions. Overduepayments are also relatively stable, impacting around two-thirds ofB2B invoices. In one notable change bad debts have declined to 5%,suggesting improved payment collection efficiency within the sector. Despite these positive signs, working capital management remainschallenging. Inventory build-up continues to tie up capital and increaseoperating costs. To bridge cash flow gaps, many companiesincreasingly prefer invoice financing to bank loans or supplier credit.However, this shift also increases financial vulnerability, especiallyamid volatile and rising financing costs. With twice as manyconstruction companies (66%) expecting a rise in insolvency risk Germany - Construction Top 5 challenges companies face when offering credit to B2B customers (% of respondents - multiple response) Handling economic shifts impacting customer payment Germany - Construction Key industry figures Key industry insights Machinery Amid growing economic pressure and rising trade uncertainty, theGerman machinery sector is balancing customer support with theneed to safeguard financial stability. 52% of B2B sales are currentlymade on credi