Comparison of German labour costs with other European countries: only a marginal increase. Analysis of current Eurostat statistics for 2008

摘要

In 2008 labour costs in Germany increased more pronouncedly than in previous years, but again developed poorly compared to other European countries. This provoked a further improvement of Germany's international competitiveness, resulting in current account surpluses. German labour costs in the manufacturing sector of 32.50 Euro per hour rank in the upper middle of the Euro Area. In the service sector, only 26 Euro per hour are paid, which is about the average in the Euro area. The availability of relatively cheap services inputs increases the competitiveness of Germany's industry even further.