Jena, 06.08.2026 – The medical technology group Carl Zeiss Meditec is struggling with the consequences of a weakening market in China, which is clearly reflected in its current financial results.
- Company: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena
- Core issue: Declining demand in the China business (esp. intraocular lenses)
- Finances: Revenue decline of 2.9% (1.55 billion euros), profit after taxes dropped to 66 million euros
- Strategic measures: Cost-cutting program, job cuts, relocation of production to India
Profit after taxes fell to 66 million euros in the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, compared to 88 million euros in the same period last year. The ophthalmology division in particular, which depends significantly on the business with artificial lenses for cataract surgery, recorded a revenue decline of 4.8 percent to 1.19 billion euros.
To counter the economic imbalance, the company is relying on a cost-cutting program launched last year. This includes the elimination of several hundred jobs. In addition, the group is planning a strategic relocation of production parts to lower-cost countries, with a clear focus on establishing a new manufacturing site in India.
Background: The importance of Zeiss for the Jena location
Carl Zeiss Meditec is an essential pillar of the Jena economic landscape. The company, a subsidiary of the Zeiss Group headquartered in Baden-Württemberg, historically benefits from the city’s strong optical tradition. A relocation of production capacities is of high relevance for the Jena location, as the company employs around 5,800 people worldwide, a significant portion of whom are based in Germany.
You can find more background information on the current economic situation in the article on the profit slump at Carl Zeiss Meditec.
Source:
Medical technology – China business continues to cause problems for Carl Zeiss Meditec
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.