Declining competitiveness in Germany as a business location, but also a weak economy and geopolitical risks are determining the foreign investments of German industrial companies. In addition, have to companies factor an increasing number of trade barriers into their location decisions. Accordingly, with 40 per cent, slightly fewer companies than in the previous year (invest abroad )42 per cent. The extent to which Germany's competitiveness as a business location is under pressure can be seen in the reasons for investing abroad: Whereas for many years market exploration was the main motive, cost savings have recently taken centre stage. As in the previous year, more than a third (35 per cent) of companies are planning to invest outside Germany for this reason - almost as many as in 2008 during the financial market crisis.