German Supply Chains Are Hobbling Recovery of Europe’s No. 1 Economy

Germany’s logistics problems are worsening an economic slowdown, with shallow rivers for barge traffic exposing fragile inland supply routes, an under-invested railway system that can’t take on the extra capacity, and seaports that are still heaving with cargo.

The Rhine’s level has rebounded in recent days after low depths last week threatened the transport of fuel and other goods — a climate crisis colliding with an energy-supply crunch. Industries are worried about how, with a dilapidated railroad, they’ll transport their inputs and final products. It doesn’t bode well if Europe’s biggest economy wants to avoid a recession.