Statement by the Südthuringia Chamber of Skilled Crafts
Small trade businesses in Südthuringia demand urgent financial relief amid soaring costs
Ahead of the upcoming special conference of federal and state energy ministers, Mike Kämmer, President of the Südthuringia Chamber of Skilled Crafts, declared: "Given the current energy policy situation, it is right and necessary to focus on how energy pricing affects citizens.
But I must caution against overlooking the fact that businesses—especially skilled trades—are also under immense pressure. In Südthuringia, the craft sector represents a vital economic pillar, yet it operates under entirely different conditions than large industrial firms."
President Kämmer explained that the dramatic price shifts are hitting companies directly: "Rural craft businesses face long daily commutes to reach their customers. As a result, they are particularly hard-hit by rising fuel prices stemming from the war in Iran.
If this crisis is not resolved swiftly, targeted and bureaucracy-free relief for small and medium-sized enterprises will be essential. Our businesses must be able to operate sustainably to keep skilled trade services affordable across the region."
"The local craft sector is dominated by industries that depend on mobility, such as construction trades," Kämmer continued. Higher operating costs are eroding profits for many small partnerships, where earnings are effectively the same as the craftsmen's wages.
"Either the tradesperson absorbs most of the increased fuel costs out of their own pocket, or they have no choice but to pass them on to customers—something that is barely feasible in these economically strained times," Kämmer warned.
"To break the looming inflationary spiral, we need swift, targeted, and bureaucracy-free action," the president concluded. Measures such as a temporary increase in the trade tax exemption or a short-term reduction in vehicle tax could significantly ease the burden on small partnerships during this crisis—without creating additional paperwork or verification requirements.
"This approach could also help fulfill part of the long-promised compensation for CO₂ pricing," Kämmer added. He urged the ministers: "The specific needs of the skilled trades must be on Friday's agenda!"
