The statistics on services trade by enterprise characteristics enable a sound assessment of enterprises involved in international trade in services. They provide a valuable foundation for economic policy decisions and analyses.

International trade in services refers to the exchange of intangible services such as financial services, tourism or IT between countries. Unlike in goods trade, no physical goods are exchanged. Globalisation, technological developments and the opening-up of markets have greatly increased its importance.

The statistics on services by mode of supply provide information on how the service was provided. A distinction is made between four categories.

German enterprises constitute net debtors vis-à-vis non-residents: Standing at €1847 billion at the end of September 2025, their liabilities arising from financial operations and trade credits, exceeded their corresponding assets of €1555 billion by €292 billion. Compared with the previous month, this is a change of − €10 billion.

At this year’s European Banking Congress in Frankfurt am Main, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel issued an emphatic plea for reforms for Europe’s future. Against the backdrop of mounting geopolitical tensions, a challenging global trade environment and demographic change, Mr Nagel urged for a clear European strategy to safeguard productivity and welfare over the long term.