The 'Phaenomenta', an exhibition venue with exhibits from science and technology, is seen in Luedenscheid, western Germany on January 16, 2025. The numerous auto industry suppliers in Luedenscheid, population 70,000, have faced job cuts and insolvencies as high labour costs, a rapid transformation and rising Chinese competition weaken one of Germany's traditional economic pillars (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY LEA PERNELLE (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)