KfW Internationalisation Report 2024

Despite the long-term effects of the coronavirus crisis and the impact of Russia's attack on Ukraine, SMEs' foreign sales reached a record high in 2022 (+14% or +8% adjusted for price). Around one in eight euros of the total turnover of SMEs was generated abroad in 2022. Almost one in four SMEs were internationally active, the highest figure for 13 years. The majority of companies active abroad rely on exports to develop foreign markets. Only a few companies take the extra step to direct investment (2019–2022: 1.7%). Whereas the year 2022 was still characterised by a relatively good overall economic situation, by 2023 the global economic environment began to cloud over. The global economy and global trade are still feeling the effects of the crisis. However, there are already signs of improvement and optimism.

KfW Internationalisation Report 2024(PDF, 2 MB, accessible)

Press release

Further publications on the topic of foreign trade