Wholesale prices posted an increase of 5.3% in July 2026 when compared to July 2025. This growth follows a positive trajectory, with the rate of change reaching +4.9% in June 2026 and +5.9% in May 2026. According to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Friday, wholesale prices rose slightly by 0.2% in July 2026 compared to the preceding month of June 2026.
The escalating prices, both in July and throughout the period, are primarily attributed to hostilities in Iran and the Middle East, which subsequently drove up wholesale prices for energy products and raw materials.
The major factor fueling the overall year-over-year rise in wholesale prices in July 2026 was the steep increase in mineral oil products. Prices in this sector averaged 24.1% higher than they were in July 2025. This surge was compounded by the end of a temporary energy tax reduction on gasoline and diesel, which came into effect on July 1, 2026, causing prices to jump by 4.0% compared to June 2026.
Other sectors noted a significant increase compared to the previous year. Specifically, non-iron ores, metals, and semi-finished metals saw prices rise by 27.8% against July 2025 (though a decrease of 3.9% compared to June 2026). Similarly, the wholesale prices for chemical products were up 13.1% year-over-year, while IT and communication equipment was 9.0% more expensive than in July 2025 (a 1.1% increase from June 2026).
Conversely, price decreases were reported across several categories. Wholesale prices for live animals fell by 18.5% against July 2025, seeing a decline of 5.4% compared to June 2026. Furthermore, statisticians noted declines relative to the previous year in items such as milk, dairy products, eggs, cooking oils, and fats, which were priced 9.4% lower in July 2026 than in July 2025 (a 1.3% decrease from June 2026). Meats and meat products also fell by 6.1% year-over-year (or 2.3% compared to June 2026).
