On January 30, reports surfaced indicating that Bosch, the world's foremost automotive supplier, foresees only marginal improvement in its key markets before the next year. Plagued by sluggish demand and soaring costs, Bosch finds itself under tremendous cost - related strain, which has set off a spate of layoffs.

In its annual performance report for 2025, released on Friday, Bosch pointed out that due to price pressures arising from the deceleration of global economic growth and tariff policies, the company does not anticipate reaching its 7% profit - margin target until at least 2027. Over the past few years, Bosch has repeatedly postponed this target. CEO Stefan Hartung remarked that although the goal remains unwavering, the realities of the business environment are in a constant state of flux. He subtly suggested that the company might have to speed up the layoff process, with the potential number of job cuts surpassing the 13,000 figure announced the previous year.

Bosch's current performance woes mainly stem from the exchange - rate impacts of a weakening US dollar, tariff barriers, intense competition, feeble demand from automakers, and restructuring costs.