Bremen leads the economic ranking: Where the other countries stumble!

Bremen leads the economic ranking: Where the other countries stumble!

There are always surprises in the world of business, and the latest numbers for the first half of 2024 could be a real eye-opener for some. While many of the German federal states are struggling with a decline in economic performance, Bremen is showing impressive growth of 2.9 percent.

Loud Time The overall economy is stagnating and seven federal states, including the economically strong Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, are recording declines. These three federal states, which together make up more than half of Germany's gross domestic product, are particularly struggling at this time. In contrast, Bremen enjoys one of the highest growth rates in the country.

Bremen's economy on the rise

The positive development in Bremen is complemented by the growth rates in other federal states. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania recorded an increase of 2.0 percent, while Berlin, Hamburg and Lower Saxony also achieved growth. This good news is particularly relevant as the decline in economic output in several larger federal states, such as Bavaria with -0.4 percent and Baden-Württemberg with -0.8 percent, increases concerns about overall economic stability.

A look at the details shows that Saarland even had to accept the largest decline of -1.9 percent - a wake-up call for those responsible. The ifo Institute supports these observations with current trends, which show a lower business climate index in September. This could dampen hopes for an early economic recovery, as shown by the ifo business climate balance data relevant for the period from July 2024 to July 2025, published on July 25, 2025 ( Statista ).

Regional differences and their significance

As far as the differences between the federal states are concerned, there is no clear pattern in economic development between East and West Germany. In the final quarter of 2024, only five of 16 federal states ultimately recorded economic growth compared to the previous quarter. In addition to Bremen, these also include Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein and Hesse. The north in particular is benefiting from an upswing in the arms industry, while in Hesse the focus is on financial and corporate service providers.

Overall, the current economic situation shows a differentiated picture: While some regions are booming, others are struggling with stagnating or even dwindling values. Overall, it remains to be seen how these tendencies will develop in the coming months and whether Bremen can maintain its growth path. The challenges are great, but the positive development in Bremen in particular could serve as a good example for other regions.

A look at the numbers listed makes the situation clear:

• Bremen: +2,9 Prozent
• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: +2,0 Prozent
• Berlin: +1,3 Prozent
• Hamburg: +1,1 Prozent
• Niedersachsen: +1,0 Prozent
• Thüringen: +0,6 Prozent
• Rheinland-Pfalz: +0,1 Prozent
• Sachsen: +0,1 Prozent
• Saarland: -1,9 Prozent
• Brandenburg: -1,0 Prozent
• Baden-Württemberg: -0,8 Prozent
• Bayern: -0,4 Prozent
• Sachsen-Anhalt: -0,3 Prozent
• Nordrhein-Westfalen: -0,2 Prozent
• Schleswig-Holstein: -0,2 Prozent
• Hessen: 0 Prozent

The situation remains exciting and we will continue to monitor developments over the next few months. The economic conditions in Bremen give hope that this positive trend can continue and that the regional economy will be strengthened.