More bankruptcies in May

Number of bankruptcies low

The number of corporate bankruptcies, adjusted for court session days, fluctuates significantly. Ups and downs alternate in rapid succession. The number of bankruptcies peaked in May 2013 (911); it subsequently declined continuously until August 2017 inclusive, after which it remained fairly stable until mid-2020. It then followed a downward trend again, reaching its lowest level since the start of the time series (January 1981) in August 2021. Although the number of bankruptcies was up in May 2022 compared to the previous month, it was still low compared to the period before the outbreak of coronavirus.

Most bankruptcies recorded in trade

If the number of court session days is not taken into account, in May a total of 210 businesses and institutions were declared bankrupt. The trade sector suffered most with 43 bankruptcies; this is 19 more compared to April.

The trade sector is one of the sectors with the largest number of businesses. In May, relatively the highest number of bankruptcies was pronounced in the transportation and storage sector.

Note: The numbers of bankruptcies corrected for court session days have been adjusted for the months January to April 2022 inclusive. Previously, seasonally adjusted figures were erroneously published instead of session day adjusted figures.

From 13 May 2022 onwards, this news release by CBS reports on bankruptcies of all businesses and institutions including sole proprietorships. Previously, bankruptcies were published excluding sole proprietorships.