Economic sentiment in Germany plummets as US tariffs cloud outlook

Economic sentiment in Germany saw a sharp decline over the last month as the uncertainty brought by U.S. tariffs has seen confidence plunge at the most dramatic level in three years, the Leibniz Center for European Economic Research (ZEW) said in its monthly survey published on Tuesday.

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment, which gauges the level of optimism on the German markets by collating expert opinions, fell markedly in the April survey. The reading plummeted 65.6 points from the previous month's reading to sit in the negative range at minus 14.0 points. This marks the strongest decline in expectations since the start of Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.

ZEW President Achim Wambach said that the "erratic" U.S. tariff policies have greatly increased global economic uncertainty, which is reflected in the economic expectations for Germany.

According to the survey, experts' sentiment concerning economic development in the Eurozone has also plummeted: the indicator fell by minus 58.3 points and is currently at minus 18.5 points. The assessment of the current economic situation of the euro area has deteriorated as well, though less strongly, falling 5.7 points below the March reading to now register at minus 50.9 points.

The economic sentiment released by the ZEW is a monthly survey that captures the expectations of analysts and institutional investors about Germany's economic outlook for the next six months.

Economic sentiment in Germany plummets as US tariffs cloud outlook

Economic sentiment in Germany plummets as US tariffs cloud outlook

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

Ranging from plush toys to food and home goods, the movie-related merchandise can be purchased from over 3,000 online and offline outlets.

Meanwhile, souvenir stores are crowded at Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia themed land, with hats, plush toys, and collectibles seeing steady demand from visitors.

"China's film industry is no longer defined by box office revenue alone. It has become a new growth engine that links and energizes multiple cultural sectors. At the heart of every successful film is strong storytelling. High-quality productions create cultural value, which in turn enhances the commercial value of intellectual property and opens up new consumption opportunities. I believe China's film industry delivered an outstanding performance in the past year," said Chen Xiaoda, vice dean of Shanghai Vancouver Film School.

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market