German pharmacies decrease by 113 in first half of 2026

The number of pharmacies operating in Germany declined by 113 during the first half of 2026, leaving a total of 16,488 pharmacies as of June 30, 2026. The figures indicate that 143 pharmacies were closed during this period, contrasted with only 30 new openings. At the end of 2025, there were 16,601 pharmacies.

Of the current 16,488 pharmacies, 12,016 are individual or main pharmacies with operating licenses according to German pharmacy law (§ 2 Paragraph 1 Apothekengesetz), and 4,472 are branch pharmacies. These statistics were compiled by ABDA, the German Federal Association of Pharmacists, based on reports from state pharmacy chambers.

While the rate of pharmacy closures has slowed compared to the same period last year (first half of 2025 saw a decrease of 238 pharmacies), the trend has not been halted. ABDA President Thomas Preis stated recently that the first fee increase in over a decade should not mask the ongoing economic pressures faced by many pharmacies.

Preis emphasized the need to consistently pursue measures to strengthen pharmacies and to reverse any new economic disadvantages, such as increased pharmacy discounts. These remarks were made ahead of the German Apotheker Tag (Pharmacist Day) in Munich.