The IK trade association says three quarters of the German plastic packaging industry do not expect higher turnover in the fourth quarter because of increased competition in Germany.
"More and more businesses from European crisis-ridden countries are trying to gain a foothold on the German market," says the group, revealing the results of the IK Economic Trend survey for the fourth quarter.
High energy prices in Germany are also a problem, especially for the mostly medium-sized businesses within the sector.
The outlook for export performance is not any better than during the previous quarter either, says the group, and the positive economic data from some EU countries are so far not making any impact on the export-oriented German packaging manufacturers.
However, 50% of IK members rate the general economic situation as "good."