Austrian Economic News and Analysis

Read the latest headlines about Austria's economy, including news on inflation, growth domestic product (GDP), nation's debt and labor market

Federation of Trade Unions Calls for "Tax Justice"

A new debate is sparking off in Austria, and possibly also a tax reform. The Gewerkschaftsbund (ÖGB, Federation of Trade Unions) wants workers to be tax-unburdened.

January 18, 2011

Austrian Construction Costs up by 3.2% in 2010

Construction cost index 2010: increase of all three construction branches in annual comparison.

January 18, 2011

Recovery slows down in Austria

The Bank Austria Business Indicator sees the recovery slowing down. The manufacturing industry shows itself optimistic, consumers a little more subdued.

January 15, 2011

Poland is a Big Opportunity for Austria's Export Economy

The Austrian Economic Chamber sees tremendous opportunities for the local export industry. The construction industry could particularly benefit from the boom in Poland.

January 15, 2011

AMS Expects Marked Relaxation of the Labor Market by 2013

The Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS, Labor Market Service) foresees a significant increase in labor supply on the Austrian labor market. Unemployment will stagnate.

January 15, 2011

Only Slight Increase in Austrian Minimum Wages

Index of Agreed Minimum Wages 2010: low increase due to economic crisis.

January 15, 2011

Inflation Increased up to 2.2% in Austria

The Consumer Price Inflation (HICP) increased up to 2.2 % in December 2010. This was mainly due to energy prices.

January 15, 2011

Investment Inhibition in Austrian Companies

The investment situation of Austrian companies is analyzed in the liquidity situation report by PwC. There are still frictions present on the capital market.

January 14, 2011

Increase of Payment Difficulties for Austria’s Private Households

Estimated 270,000 Austrian households are currently facing financial difficulties and are not able to serve credit sufficiently.

January 14, 2011

Austria's Competitiveness Increases Slightly

Austria rose one place, to the 21st, in the ranking of the most liberal economies.

January 14, 2011

Austria's Trade Deficit with China Shrinks

Thanks to the rising export figures, the trade deficit in the traditionally negative balance with China is declining.

January 13, 2011

Slow upward trend in Austria's trade and handicrafts

For 2010, KMU-Forschung Austria expects slight sales increases. Support for research projects will be supported in future.

January 13, 2011

Harsh Criticism of Government by Junge Industrie

Junge Industrie (Young Industry) an interface organization of the Industriellenvereinigung (Industrialists’ Federation) criticizes particularly the pension policy.

January 13, 2011

WKÖ endorses policy of the European Commission

The Austrian Economic Chamber welcomes the focus of the EU Commission on structural reforms, consolidation of public finances and competitiveness.

January 13, 2011

Austrian Regional GDP Growth: Upper Austria Quotes Statistics

Gross regional product 2008: Upper and Lower Austria reached a nominal growth rate clearly above the national average

January 13, 2011

CEE Economic Growth Forecast: 3.8% in 2011

According to UniCredit, especially Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic and Estonia will bounce back impressively due to stronger industry and domestic demand.

January 13, 2011

Growth in Austria's Foreign Trade and Direct Investment

Austria's goods, services and capital transactions abroad grow strongly, a sign of solid recovery.

January 13, 2011

CEE: Raiffeisen Remains Optimistic

The analysts of the Austrian Raiffeisen International Bank give Austria and the CEE good growth prospects. However, there still remain known risks.

January 12, 2011

Rapid Increase in Exports to Emerging Markets

The Austrian export economy can benefit massively from the solid demand from Asian and South American emerging markets.

January 12, 2011

Insolvencies decline in Austria

Corporate insolvency proceedings fall by 5.9%, affecting more than 85,000 creditors. Creditreform considers there is still potential for lower figures.

January 11, 2011

Recovery in Austria´s Labor Market Continues

The domestic labor market´s data for 2010 were better than expected. The number of job-seekers declined by 3.7%

January 8, 2011

Austrian SME as a Source of Innovation

Austria's small and medium enterprises are, according to the Small and Medium-Sized Business report, the main driver for innovations.

January 7, 2011

Strong Increase in Austrian Foreign Trade Figures

January to October 2010: imports and exports increased by more than 15%

January 6, 2011

WIFO and IHS Foresee Economic Weakness

The two major Austrian Economic Research Institutes, WIFO and IHS, expect an economic slowdown in 2011.

January 5, 2011

Commodity and Food Prices Rising

Austrian Wholesale price index in December 2010: +9.1% against December 2009; annual average 2010: +5.0% against 2009.

January 5, 2011

Downward Trend of Austrian Unemployment

Unemployment trend: Flash estimates for the fourth quarter of 2010 show an unemployment rate of 4.1%.

January 5, 2011

Demographic Development: a Future Challenge for Austria

The expected demographic development will increase expenditure in geriatric care in Austria.

January 5, 2011

Black Economy is still Difficult to Control in Austria

About 14% of the economic product evades the Treasury in the Austrian economy, but experts say the trend is declining again.

January 5, 2011

R&D: High Activities of Austrian Firms with Foreign Co-Investors

The OECD publishes its Science, Technology and Industry Outlook 2010 for Austria. 23% of R&D expenses are funded from abroad.

January 4, 2011

Social Justice shows High Levels in Austria

The Bertelsmann Foundation released a study on social justice issues in OECD countries. Austria is located among the top third.

January 4, 2011

Leitl Urges Implementation of Reform Plans

The President of the Austrian Economic Chamber shows himself pleased by the economic data 2010 and urges the continuation of educational and administrative reforms.

January 3, 2011

Experts: No Failures in the Austrian Labor Market

The last hurdles for the new EU-members to enter the Austrian labor market will fall in May 2011. However, even the unions has no concerns.

January 3, 2011

Austrian Industry Remains on Growth Course

Bank Austria Purchasing Managers’ Index down slightly in November, but strong growth persists. Order intake increased as well as employment.

January 1, 2011

Massive Rise of Debt in the Public Sector

Austria's debt is rising dramatically. Not only the state budget, but also the provinces and municipalities are the major contributors to this situation.

December 31, 2010

Changes in Living Standard of Austrians

A WIFO study compares the required average working time of industrial workers to the purchase of goods and services over the passage of time.

December 31, 2010

Sales Drops in Austrian Construction Industry

The construction output value in building construction and engineering decreased by 3.5% from January to September 2010. The order situation is also deteriorating.

December 31, 2010

Austria's Material Goods Production Increases Massively

The production trend in the manufacturing and construction industry shows a positive effect in September 2010. Sales increased by 10.3%.

December 31, 2010

Nowotny Calls for Consistent Budget Consolidation

The Governor of the OeNB draws balance at the end of the year and gives his outlook on the challenges for 2011

December 30, 2010

Austria's Labor Market Opens

As of May 1, 2011 the German and Austrian labor markets open for the new EU citizens. Romania and Bulgaria will follow suit in 2013.

December 30, 2010

Billion Worth Qatar Holding Explores Investment Opportunities

The Austrian economy expects closer relations and potential export opportunities as the result of the state visit of the Emir of Qatar.

December 30, 2010

WIFO Director: "Crisis was not Taken Advantage of to Introduce Reforms"

In an interview with the newspaper "Kurier", the head of the WIFO criticizes the lack of commitment to reforms. His perspectives for Austria are nevertheless optimistic.

December 30, 2010

WIFO: Lack of Competition in Austria

According to WIFO, lack of competition is causing a growth bottleneck in Austria and requires legal action by the government and the EU.

December 29, 2010

Leitl Demands Reforms

The President of the Austrian Economic Chamber calls for more Government work in administration, health and education.

December 29, 2010

Good Prospects for Austrian Exports

The outlook for 2010 is favorable after the sharp decline of Austrian goods exports in the crisis year 2009 (-20.2%), .

December 29, 2010

Chamber of Labor Calls for a More Equitable Distribution

Corporate profits on one hand and reduced working hours, dismissals and wage cuts on the other, are not compatible for the Chamber of Labor.

December 28, 2010

Raiffeisen Foresees a Weak Decade for Europe

RLB Niederösterreich-Wien expects hardly any economic growth, particularly in the euro countries. Austria is however relatively well positioned.

December 28, 2010

Further Rise in Energy Prices for Households

Austrian energy prices in November 2010 were higher by 5.8% compared to the previous year. Only gas became cheaper.

December 27, 2010

Generali Money Study: What Austrians Will Spend their Money on in 2011

More money will be spent on vacations, housing and sports. Propensity to consume is higher in men.

December 27, 2010

CO2 Emissions in 2009 Decreased by 4.75m Tons

Energy-related CO2 emissions decreased in 2009 in Austria by 4.75m tons or 7.4% to 59m tons, according to WIFO estimates

December 27, 2010

Analysts Predict Good Year for ATX

According to analysts, the Vienna Stock Exchange will experience a favourable performance in 2011. However, 2011 won´t surpass 2010.

December 27, 2010