The main automotive component producer, Bosch has delayed its desired 75% operating-margin objective to 2027 or later, as a measure of severe cost pressures and strongly imposing tariff obligations.
Therefore, the year 2026 is estimated to pose enormous financial problems.
There are many indications of a slight slowdown in global economic growth.
Bosch finance chief Markus Forschner said in a statement.
Competitive and price pressure are likely to increase further and the increased tariffs will have their full impact for the first time.
Chip Crisis Drags On
Bosch said sales rose 0.8% in 2025 to €91 billion, but its operating margin fell to 1.9% from 3.5% a year earlier. Lack of Nexperia chips has hit Bosch and the like in an unfavorable manner with the micro-component pricing going up to more than one cent.
At the same time, doubts about Chinese market control have hampered acquisition of the assets of the Dutch company because of long proceedings in court.
Hartung said that the crisis is not over.
We hope that definitive solutions will be in place in six months, the CEO said, adding that sourcing chips from other suppliers is extremely expensive.Tariff Storm Looms Larger.
Bleak Road Ahead
The 2026 prognosis points to heightened price competition as well as macroeconomic head winds, which may push the achievement of the 7% margin target, at least, to 2027.
Chief Executive Stefan Hartung previously warned that 2026 would be another difficult year for the industry, describing it as a sector where companies would be “fighting over every cent.”
There are immense cost-saving programs and expenditures in reskilling, which are avenues towards resilience; however, the increase in tariffs could negate the same. The accurate look into marginal savings by Hartung outlines a likely phase of lean operations, and investors must attentively observe cut-throat approaches to cost management in order to curb the further erosion. It is recommended to diversify other than the automotive industry.
