Wholesale prices in February 2026 were 1.2 % higher than in February 2025. The year‑on‑year rise had already reached the same level in January 2026 and in December 2025. According to the German Statistical Office (Destatis) announced on Friday, the wholesale index increased 0.6 % from January 2026 to February 2026.
The biggest driver of the overall increase in February 2026 was the sharp rise in non‑ferrous ores, non‑ferrous metals and the semicludes derived from them. Prices for these items averaged 44.9 % above February 2025, and they also climbed 5.2 % from January 2026 to February 2026.
Food, beverage and tobacco products also contributed to the year‑on‑year rise, with a 0.8 % increase in February 2025. Within this category, sugar, confectionery and baked goods stood out, costing 9.1 % more than a year earlier; meat and meat products were 3.7 % higher compared with February 2025.
In contrast, wholesale prices for cereals, raw tobacco, seed, and feed fell by 7.4 % relative to February 2025 and rose only 1.8 % compared with January 2026. Prices for milk, dairy products, eggs, cooking oils and food fats dropped 6.6 % year‑on‑year and fell 0.2 % from January 2026.
Mineral oil products were also cheaper than a year earlier-down 3.9 %-but they increased 2.6 % from January 2026 to February 2026.
