Economy Of Austria
Three strong pillars define Austria’s economy: a sophisticated industrial base, a developed agricultural sector, and a large service sector. With a GDP per capita comparable to those of its more well-known neighbors, Austria is among the richest nations in the European Union thanks to its sophisticated organization.
Though a tiny fraction of the whole, the industrial sector is humming with invention while agriculture makes up a meager share. Along with well-known giants like Voestalpine and Swarovski, Austria supports a wealth of globally competitive, highly specialized mid-sized companies. Particularly in mechanical engineering and auto parts, these companies boost the industrial strength of the nation.
The most dominating sector is the service one since most employees and the GDP contribution come from it. Covering all from real estate and banking to healthcare and education, this flexible sector satisfies a broad spectrum of needs. Renowned Austrian service companies like Austrian Airlines and Erste Group help to further highlight the industry’s importance.
The economy of Austria has shown resilience against current world problems. Driven by exports and strong domestic demand, the nation has grown steadily, maintaining its unemployment rate below the European average and registering modest inflation.
Austria has a competitive edge apart from its boundaries. Evidence of its strong institutions, creative energy, and advanced infrastructure, the nation routinely ranks highly on esteemed indices including the Global Competitiveness Index. On the Economic Freedom Index, Austria also ranks rather well, proving its commitment to sound fiscal policy, free trade agreements, and safeguarded property rights.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Economic Structure and Regional Disparities
- 2 Financial Economics of Austria
- 3 Mining In Austria
- 4 Tourism
- 5 Agriculture and Forestry
- 6 Industry sector
- 7 Service sector
- 8 The largest Austrian companies
- 9 The largest Austrian companies by number of employees
- 10 Related Articles
- 10.1 Museums In Austria
- 10.2 Food And Drinks In Austria
- 10.3 Festivals And Holidays In Austria
- 10.4 Shopping In Austria
- 10.5 Culture Of Austria
- 10.6 Nightlife in Austria
- 10.7 Stay Safe And Healthy In Austria
- 10.8 Lakes In Austria
- 10.9 National Parks In Austria
- 10.10 Things To Do In Austria
- 10.11 Attractions And Landmarks In Austria
- 10.12 Entry Requirements For Austria
- 10.13 Cultural Etiquette and Customs in Austria
- 10.14 Geography Of Austria
- 10.15 Demographics Of Austria
- 10.16 Tourism In Austria
- 10.17 History Of Austria
- 10.18 Best Time To Visit Austria
- 10.19 How To Get To Austria
- 10.20 How To Get Around In Austria
- 10.21 Austria
- 11 Go Next...
Economic Structure and Regional Disparities
Nine separate Bundesländer, each with unique political system and personality, make Austria’s federal system an interesting mosaic. Regarding their size, organization, and economic output, these federal states differ shockingly.
The main economic force of the nation is Vienna, its capital. With its GDP per capita (adjusted for buying power) in 2016 at 155% of the EU average, Vienna is obviously rich. But it is Austria’s political, cultural, and social center, not only a financial powerhouse. Apart from being a dynamic global center, this cosmopolitan city boasts famous establishments including the United Nations, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Vienna distinguishes itself by leading in general well-being, education, and creativity.
In sharp contrast is the easternmost and least populated Bundesland of Austria, Burgenland. With borders on Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Austria, Burgenland performs economically below the EU average—just 86% in 2016. Mostly rural and agricultural, the area is well-known for its wineries, newly developing renewable energy sector, and expanding tourism business. Especially, the significant ethnic Hungarian minority living with the Roma and Croat populations in Burgenland strengthens the fabric of the state.
The remaining federal states—Saracen, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Styria, Carinthia, Lower Austria, and Upper Austria—painted a picture of economic variety with 2016 development ranging from 97% to 129% of the EU average. Their geographical locations, natural resources, and historical legacies match their economic profiles in variety. Lower Austria and Upper Austria, which act hubs for energy, industry, and technological innovation, are the most populous and developed states in Austria. Dominant in the metal, wood, and automotive sectors, Styria and Carinthia are well-known for their lush views and tough topography. Tyrol and Salzburg are well-known for their winter sports and tourism due in great part to their rich musical and historical backgrounds. Vorarlberg, the smallest and westernmost Bundesland, is well-known for its textiles, electronics, and machinery as well as for its close cultural and business ties to Germany and Switzerland.
Austria’s federal system thus strongly argues for the need of regional diversity. The unique features and strengths of every Bundesland taken together help to create a strong and vivid national identity.
GDP by state
By dissecting the Gross Domestic Product (PPP) by federal state, this table investigates Austria’s economic structure. The accompanying measure is the GDP per capita stated in Purchasing Power Standards (PPS), a standardized currency eliminating national price variations. Moreover shown in the table is the GDP per capita expressed in euros in purchasing power parity (PPP). One gets this by multiplying the PPS value by the euro’s exchange rate.
| rank | Federal State | GDP PPP in € million | GDP/capita, PPS , (EU28=100) (2015) | GDP/capita in € (PPS) (2015) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vienna | 81,092 | 155 | 44,700 |
| 2 | Salzburg | 23,374 | 150 | 43,200 |
| 3 | Vorarlberg | 15,101 | 137 | 39,600 |
| 4 | Tyrol | 28,826 | 136 | 39,300 |
| 5 | Upper Austria | 54,480 | 131 | 37,700 |
| 6 | Styria | 40,600 | 115 | 33,100 |
| 7 | Carinthia | 17,439 | 108 | 31,200 |
| 8 | Lower Austria | 50,047 | 106 | 30,500 |
| 9 | Burgenland | 7,461 | 89 | 25,800 |
The economic situation of Austria reveals an interesting narrative of two realities. With a per capita GDP of 55% more than the EU-27 average and a GDP (PPP) of highest among the pack, Vienna, the imperial capital leads Still, there is quite variation among the other eight federal states.
Salzburg, known for its baroque architecture and musical legacy, comes right behind Vienna. Travel and global companies like Red Bull drive its economic engine. With its unique mix of mountain scenery, varied cultures, and booming textile and metal industries, Vorarlberg, the smallest and most export-driven state heading west shows its close economic ties with surrounding Germany and Switzerland.
Fourth ranked Tyrol is a refuge for winter sports enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. Apart from its booming tourism sector, Tyrol supports a varied economic environment including the sectors of engineering, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
Eastward, the second biggest state, Upper Austria develops into a major industrial center focused on steel, chemicals, and cars. Many technological parks and institutions leading the way in research and invention abound in Upper Austria.
Styria presents a very different mix of historical and modern businesses. From aerospace engineering to automotive manufacturing, Styria’s economic might coexists with a vibrant agricultural industry noted for its winemaking legacy.
Although their economies differ, Carinthia and Lower Austria mix industry with natural beauty. Carinthia, a region of stunning mountains and lakes, mostly relies on tourism in addition to the electronics, wood, and medical industries. Lower Austria, the agricultural powerhouse of the nation, also hosts the building, logistics, and energy sectors.
At number nine Burgenland is the easternmost and least populous state. Though with a lower GDP (PPP), Burgenland is well-known for its thermal spas, wine-making, and commitment to renewable energy projects. It presents also a unique cultural tapestry.
The notable variations in GDP per capita among the states emphasize Austria’s unequal economic growth. Still, Austria’s GDP per capita overall shows a strong home economy since it exceeds the average for the EU-27.
Financial Economics of Austria
The Expansion of Austrian Banks in Eastern Europe
When communism collapsed in 1989, Austrian financial institutions recognized a great chance. A strong credit market, a growing financial system, and the possibility of increasing economic activity combined to provide special benefits for the former Eastern Bloc’s developing economies—which included Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and former Yugoslavia. The established banking industry in Austria found these rich opportunities irresistible.
Austrian banks entered these markets applying several approaches. Their growth plan called for strategic joint ventures, smart acquisitions of regional banks, and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Success stories abound: Raiffeisen’s climb to prominence in Hungary, Romania, and Serbia; Erste Bank’s historic 2000 acquisition of Ceska Sporitelna, the dominant Czech bank; and Bank Austria’s 2005 merger with Italy’s UniCredit Group, so securing their position as the top foreign bank in Poland, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With a 20% market share in the region, Austrian banks controlled an amazing 70% of all foreign-owned banking assets by 2008. Two main causes of this explosive increase were the European Union’s regulatory framework, which let for the unhindered flow of capital and financial services, and the very cooperative supervisory efforts of Austrian and host country authorities.
The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the Austrian Banks
The disastrous events of the 2008 worldwide financial crisis rocked the Austrian banking system, so compromising its stability and profitability. Together with a corresponding decline in liquidity and funding sources, the sharp rise in credit risk exposed several flaws in Austrian banks. These included having too much leverage, depending too much on wholesale financing, being sensitive to changes in exchange rates, and having a loan portfolio not enough diversified.
As the crisis developed Eastern Europe experienced a recession marked by declining GDP, local currency devaluation, and rising unemployment and inflation. This mix of events further taxed borrowers in the area, particularly for those with loans denominated in foreign currencies, regarding their capacity to pay back their loans. The crisis tarnished investor and depositor confidence, leading to a capital flight from Austrian banks as individuals sought better interest rates elsewhere or safer havens for their money. One nation’s or bank’s issues trickle across the financial system and set off a domino effect that extended a declining economic slide.
Response to this existential threat from Austrian banks was a multifarious rescue attempt. They tightened their capital positions, instituted rigorous cost-cutting policies, sold off non-core assets, reorganised their present loan schedules, and tried especially to increase their funding sources. By means of loan guarantees, recapitalizations, liquidity infusion, and temporary regulatory forbearance, the Austrian government also greatly helped the banking sector. Through agencies like the EU, EBRD, World Bank, and IMF, the affected Eastern European nations also received vital policy guidance and financial support from the international community. These combined efforts helped to lessen the consequences of the crisis and create the road towards final recovery.
The Current Situation and Outlook of the Austrian Banks
Following the financial crisis, Austrian banks have shown notably greater resilience. According to Austria’s central bank, the financial scene of December 2020 was defined by resilience and profitability. The overall assets came out to be shockingly €1,066 billion, and the return on equity was a commendable 7.4%. A key gauge of financial situation, capital adequacy came out at an amazing 18.4%; non-performing loans were kept at a reasonable 2.4%.
One of the elements causing this increased resilience is a deliberate redistribution of resources. Using a measured approach, Austrian banks have divested or downssized non-core companies. This has allowed them to focus on profitable, established markets including those in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. Concurrently, they have extended their influence by becoming present in developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, so encouraging diversification and growth.
Future fortunes of Austrian banks are expected to be great. Profitability is benefited by the low interest rate environment of today and the continuous digital revolution. Furthermore creating a favorable environment for ongoing success are Austria’s strong regulatory system and the recovering European and domestic economies. Still, it would be reckless to dismiss the possible challenges ahead of us. Significant hazards include the environmental imperative of climate change, the always present threat of cybercrime, the residual questions about the COVID-19 epidemic, and geopolitical tensions. Moreover, the rise of disruptive financial technology (fintech) companies and the intrusion of big technology companies call for constant innovation and strategic agility.
Mining In Austria
Austria’s long mining past clearly shapes its economic scene. For millennia, its economic power has been based on this pillar; a wealth of minerals has driven its industrial growth. Still, the modern mining sector faces a unique challenge in juggling environmental issues, the needs of a developing country, and a globalized market.
Salt
Salt is Austria’s most valuable mineral resource coming from the Salzkammergut area in Upper Austria. Apart from its cooking uses, salt is indispensable for chemical synthesis, de-icing, and food preservation. Recognizing its continuing importance, Austria has grown to be a major European salt producer, yearly generating more than 3.4 million tons. Operating under a federal government concession, Salinen Austria is a private company driving the domestic salt output. The business pays over 1,300 people and yearly boosts the economy with €200 million. Modern inventiveness is demonstrated in the extraction process by a highly automated series of drilling, blasting, dissolving, pumping, evaporation, and refinement. Under Salinen Austria’s control, the oldest salt mine in the world—the Hallein Salt Mine attracts tourists. Its historical importance is impressive.
Oil and Natural Gas
Another indispensible resource for Austria is oil, mostly taken from the Vienna Basin and the Alpine Foreland. Its adaptability covers heating, transportation, power generation, and chemical manufacture. Since the 19th century, Austria’s main concentration has been on oil exploration and production since they are considered as a strategic resource because of their influence on national security and economic stability. Still, Austria’s own reserves are running low, which is causing a notable dependence on imports. Domestic production—about 752,000 tonnes—versally contrasts with national consumption—about 7.8 million tonnes in the 2016 figures. Russia, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Norway are the main countries Austria imports oil from. To ensure a constant supply and effective distribution, Austria boasts a developed system of refineries, storage facilities, and pipelines. The country’s oil sector is handled by OMV, a multinational conglomerate with partly state-owned ownership that brings about almost €19 billion in income. It employs about 20,000 people. In Austria, oil extraction is a closely watched operation following safety rules, environmental impact assessments, and tax laws. Price fluctuations, geopolitical instability, and the evolving energy scene shaped by technology developments and climate change are among the several questions the sector faces, though.
Extracted from the same geological areas, natural gas and oil find use in chemical manufacturing, heating, and power generation. They have lots of parallels. Given it influences both economic competitiveness and energy security, it is also regarded as a strategic resource. In the 20th century Austria started investigating and producing natural gas. Still, Austria’s natural gas reserves are running low and domestic production is inadequate to satisfy national demand—a situation reminiscent of those of oil. Though only producing 1.25 billion cubic meters, Austria consumed an incredible 8.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2016. Austria thus mostly depends on imports; Germany, Norway, and Russia are its main sources. Strong pipeline network, storage facilities, and hubs guarantees the safe supply and distribution of natural gas all around the country. Like oil, OMV is a major participant in the natural gas market and makes use of its worldwide presence to guarantee a constant availability of this vital resource.
Iron ore
From the Roman time Austria has been extracting iron ore, the basis of industrial growth. The main source of iron ore for the country, Erzberg mine in Styria has the biggest reserves in Central Europe. Still, Austria’s domestic output is not enough to cover its needs, hence reliance rate is higher than 60%. Austria’s main import partners in order to close this difference are Brazil, Canada, Sweden, and Ukraine. Under VA Erzberg, a division of the well-known steel and technology company Voestalpine, the mining operation is a shining example of modern efficiency under direction. Through the Erzberg Adventure World, VA Erzberg not only leads mining activities but also promotes public involvement, so attesting to the rich mining legacy of the area.
Tungsten
Tungsten taken from Salzburg’s Felbertal mine ranks as Austria’s fifth most important raw resource. Tungsten is known for its remarkable performance under high temperatures and pressures; thus, metal alloys, cutting tools, and illumination technology all find use for it. Although Austria has a mining history going back to the 16th century, its tungsten reserves are declining and demand imports exceeding 57%. China, Vietnam, and Russia are the main sources of this indispensable tool. Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten, a division of the multinational industrial behemoth Sandvik, rules the Austrian tungsten market. Another tourist attraction Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten promotes, the Felbertal Adventure World teaches the public on the value of tungsten and its mining techniques while their highly mechanized operations guarantee effective extraction.
Magnesite
Sixth pillar of Austria’s mineral resource portfolio is magnesite, mostly taken from the Veitsch and Radenthein mines. Derived from magnesite, magnesium is vital for the resistance against chemical reactions in refractory materials, animal feed, and fertilizers against high temperatures. Although magnesite mining started in the 19th century, Austria’s reserves are still declining, thus almost half of the country depends on imports. Mostly China, Turkey, and Brazil provide this strategic resource. Leading refractory solution provider worldwide, RHI Magnesita is the main driver in Austrian magnesite mining. Another project by RHI Magnesita, the Magnesite Museum acts as a knowledge base on the industrial relevance of magnesite and guarantees effective extraction thanks to their highly mechanized methods.
Tourism
With billions of euros annually injected into the nation and a significant number of employment created, tourism is absolutely vital for the Austrian economy. Because of its rich history, which has captivated European visitors since the 19th century when it was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria appeals as a vacation spot. Along with strategic marketing of Austria’s beautiful natural surroundings and cultural legacy, the fast expansion of the tourist sector resulted from a deliberate initiative to build required infrastructure including hotels, highways, and railroads.
Austria’s global appeal was improved even more by its admiring neutrality during World War II and its admission to the European Union. Currently ranking regularly among the top 15 worldwide travel destinations, Austria is acknowledged by the World Tourism Organization as a major player in this field.
One amazing quality of Austrian travel is its great diversity and harmonic balance. For guests, the nation offers a broad spectrum of experiences including cultural, historical, natural, athletic, and recreational activities. Travel is always flourishing since the summer and the winter seasons have special benefits and appeal. Furthermore, tourism is not limited to one particular area; every state has unique qualities and well crafted development plan that leads to a large and active sector. The great long-term viability and exceptional quality of Austrian tourism are much enhanced by the varied range and harmonic equilibrium of offers.
Apart from generating income, tourism in Austria is quite important in giving a good number of people job possibilities, so affecting the economy in great extent. According to the Austrian Institute of Economic Research’s 2013 report on the travel industry, 8.1% of the whole workforce—305,000 individuals—were employed in it. With an estimated 513,000 jobs—13.6% of all employment—ancillary businesses in the tourism sector help to greatly boost the economy. Moreover, travel encourages the growth of fresh ideas, commercial projects, and career possibilities inside the sector. Apart from its economic influence, tourism greatly advances Austria’s social and cultural development by means of encouragement of intercultural communication, preservation of historical legacy, and strengthening of the nation’s good global reputation and identity.
Agriculture and Forestry
For thousands of years, Austria has been mostly dependent on agriculture and forestry, which shapes its physical environment, national identity, and cultural scene. These industries are now rather significant contributors to the Austrian economy since they account for 1.5% of the GDP and employ 5% of the workforce. Still, they run across challenges from globalization, competition, climate change, and environmental rules. Austria has thus developed a whole plan to modernize and improve its forestry and agricultural sectors. This covers helping organic farming, increasing product diversity, raising standards of quality, and fostering innovation.
A Historical Tapestry Woven with Agriculture and Forestry
From the Neolithic era, Austria has a long history of agriculture; clear evidence of farming methods as early as 6000 BC. Successive migration of Germanic tribes, Romans, and Celts enhanced the agricultural landscape and brought in fresh crops and techniques. Under a feudal system, which was marked by the predominance of monasteries and big estates under control by the nobility, peasants worked as serfs or tenants in the Middle Ages. Wars, diseases, famines, and social upheaval beset the agricultural sector until the late 18th century. But Emperor Joseph II’s abolition of serfdom signaled the start of a time marked by free trade and invention. As industrialization, urbanization, and globalization emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, Austrian agriculture and forestry confronted both possibilities and problems. Austria underwent a notable change in its agricultural and forestry markets and policies when she joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1995 and subsequently the European Union (EU). Nowadays, Austria is rather well-known in Europe for using organic farming and sustainable forestry methods.
Diversity, Quality, and Sustainability: The Hallmarks of Austrian Agriculture and Forestry
Little, family-owned farms abound in Austria’s countryside, setting it apart. Each of the roughly 160,000 farms of this sort covers an average area of 19 hectares. Comprising almost 38% of the land, agribusiness mostly focuses on growing wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and fruits. Additionally strong in Austria is the cattle sector, particularly in dairy and beef farming. Though Austria mostly exports specialties including wine, cheese, meat, and organic produce, it maintains a surplus in agricultural goods even though it depends on imports for about forty percent of its food needs.
Covering almost 48% of Austria’s land area, forests are quite important for the nation’s economy since they offer many social, financial, and environmental benefits. the yearly timber harvest from Austria comes out to be about 18 million cubic meters. Sawnwood accounts for 60% of the harvest; pulp and paper makes up 30%. 10% still left is used for generation of electricity. In terms of manufacturing and export of wood and paper goods, Austria ranks among the top European nations. This covers floors, furniture, packaging, and biofuels. Apart from their financial influence, forests are very important for maintaining biodiversity, protecting soil and water supplies, slowing down global warming, and promoting public recreation and tourism.
Industry sector
The industrial scene of Austria blossoms at the junction of modern developments and efficiency. This growing sector not only satisfies the demands of the local market but also introduces a great variety of goods and services onto the international scene. Unbelievably, the Austrian Chamber of Commerce has found that 160 Austrian companies are identified as top worldwide leaders in their respective sectors.
One can highlight Austria’s industrial strength by a series of eminent names. Dominant player in the energy drink market, Red Bull energizes consumers all around. By deftly bending and spreading light, Swarovski’s magnificent crystals produce an amazing visual effect that showcases artistic talent. Renowned steel company Voestalpine produces the key parts of modern infrastructure. Renowned participant in the oil and gas sector, OMV drives global economies. An essential part of the automotive supply chain, magna helps to keep the sector running.
Beyond these major sectors, Austria’s engineering legacy and creative energy shine in the fields of machinery, electronics, and biotechnology. A remarkable example of Austrian acoustic innovation, audiophiles can experience the first open-back headphones available worldwide. Often used in law enforcement, the Glock pistol is a sober symbol of Austrian weapons expertise. An amazing feat in medical technology, the bionic hand gives limb loss victims restored manual dexterity. Renowned for its pioneering suspension systems, the Steyr 220 is a modern and advanced car.
Key to the Austrian economy, the robust industrial sector accounts for a significant 28% of the national GDP. Furthermore, it keeps jobs for a sizable fraction of the workforce—roughly 27% of Austria’s labor force. In the end, Austria’s great industrial capacity is proof of its constant commitment to creativity, quality, and global supremacy.
Service sector
The most strong and dynamic sector of the economy, Austrian services industry rules supremely. It is in charge of the astonishing 72% of the workforce’s employment and contributes astonishingly to the GDP of the country with 70%. The great economic success of Austria is much influenced by the several activities included in this multifarious sector.
Tourism: A Hallmark of Austrian Success
Austria’s world-class winter sports, rich cultural legacy, and breathtaking natural beauty have made tourism a basic part of the service industry there. The country regularly ranks among the top 10 worldwide in terms of both foreign visitor arrivals and receipts, according the World Tourism Organization. The great financial gains resulting from this increase in visitor traffic further confirm the importance of tourism as a major income source.
Trade: Fueling Economic Growth
Strong and export-oriented trade is driving Austria’s service sector to be booming. The success of this very open economy depends on solid trade ties with significant partners including the United States, China, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. This dynamic interaction of goods and services fosters world cooperation and stimulates economic progress.
Banking: A Pillar of Financial Stability
Austria’s evolved and strong financial system is mostly based on banking. The headquarters of esteemed companies including Erste Group, Raiffeisen Bank International, and UniCredit Bank Austria, in Austria, best highlight the sector’s power and impact.
Social and Public Services: The Backbone of Austrian Society
The service sector consists of non-commercial activities as well as commercially driven ones. It covers the basic public and social services upon which Austrian society is built. A thorough and universal healthcare system paid for by taxes and social insurance guarantees the welfare of people. A free public university system and a required schooling age of six to fifteen encourage education and help to produce a well-educated population. Half of all public funds and almost 14% of the workforce are managed by public administration, which also controls national governance and regulation and provides necessary public goods and services.
The largest Austrian companies
The following well-known companies clearly show the variety and vividness of Austria’s industrial scene:
OMV AG, the most important Austrian company with regard to market capitalization, rules the energy sector. From exploration to manufacturing to refining to marketing to chemicals, this integrated giant participates in the whole value chain. Considered as the pillar of Austrian business, OMV is rather well-known worldwide, in more than thirty countries.
Second in terms of net sales is Porsche Holding, a Volkswagen Group affiliate. Having an amazing portfolio of well-known brands including Audi, Skoda, and Lamborghini, Porsche Holding is a worldwide rival in the automotive distribution market. It ranks also as the top company in Europe. The amazing number of 1.9 million cars sold in 2021 emphasizes their market supremacy.
Third place goes to the massive builder Strabag Construction Holding. Their expertise covers building construction, environmental technologies, and civil engineering over more than 60 countries. The outstanding workforce of over 75,000 people greatly influences Strabag’s delivery of major projects including the famous Grand Egyptian Museum.
Having a fourth-place net sales ranking, Rewe Group Austria is a major participant in the retail industry. Operating under several banners, including Billa and Merkur, this division of the German retail behemoth boasts a large network of more than 2,500 outlets. By offering weekly services to millions of devoted clients, Rewe Group Austria has become rather strong in the Austrian market.
Closely trailing in fifth place is another retail powerhouse, Spar Austria. With more than 3,000 stores across Austria and Central and Eastern Europe, this vast chain offers a range of goods beyond food and drink. Employing more than 85,000 people, Spar Austria is a significant economic contributor.
Voestalpine, a global company focused on technology and steel, holds sixth place. By making large research and development investments, Voestalpine—which specializes in providing premium steel solutions for a range of sectors—encourages invention. Their worldwide presence—more than fifty countries—has clearly established them as a major participant in the Austrian industrial scene.
Among the several sectors covered in the list are automotive, engineering, oil and gas, construction, semiconductors, electricity, telecommunications, furniture, transportation, utilities, plastic packaging, building materials, and minting. It also covers chemicals, drinks, paper and packaging, and gasoline and fuels. These companies greatly help to explain the strength and variety of the Austrian business sector, so supporting the economic growth and competitiveness of the country.
| rank | Company | Net sales in million euros 2021 | Industry | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OMV AG | 35,555 | Oil and gas | Vienna |
| 2 | Porsche Holding | 24,243 | Automotive | Salzburg |
| 3 | Strabag construction holding | 16,129 | Construction | Vienna |
| 4 | Rewe Group Austria | 15,960 | Retail | Wiener Neudorf |
| 5 | Spar Austria | 15,085 | Retail | Salzburg |
| 6 | voestalpine | 14,900 | Steel | Linz |
| 7 | Borealis AG | 10,153 | Chemicals | Vienna |
| 8 | Red Bull GmbH | 7,816 | Beverages | Fuschl am See |
| 9 | Mondi Group | 7,723 | Paper and packaging | Vienna |
| 10 | Benteler International AG | 7,285 | Automotive | Salzburg |
| 11 | BMW Group Austria | 6,566 | Automotive | Steyr |
| 12 | Andritz AG | 6,463 | Engineering | Graz |
| 13 | Commercial Energy Solutions GmbH (subsidiary of Gazprom Neft ) | 6,016 | Oil and gas | Vienna |
| 14 | Porr AG | 5,727 | Construction | Vienna |
| 15 | ams-Osram AG | 5,038 | Semiconductors | Premstätten |
| 16 | Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG | 5,036 | Automotive | Graz |
| 17 | Verbund AG | 4,776 | Electricity | Vienna |
| 18 | Telekom Austria AG | 4,738 | Telecommunications | Vienna |
| 19 | XXXLutz KG | 4,480 | Furniture | Wels |
| 20 | Hofer KG | 4,400 | Retail | Sattledt |
| 21 | Austrian Federal Railways Holding AG | 4,336 | Transport | Vienna |
| 22 | Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH | 4,300 | Utilities | Vienna |
| 23 | Alpla Holding | 4,300 | Plastic packaging | Hard |
| 24 | Wienerberger AG | 3,971 | Building materials | Vienna |
| 25 | Infineon Technologies Austria | 3,898 | Semiconductors | Villach |
The largest Austrian companies by number of employees
| rank | Company | Number of employees 2021 | Industry | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spar Austria | 85,000 | Retail | Salzburg |
| 2 | Strabag construction holding | 75,000 | Construction | Vienna |
| 3 | Rewe Group Austria | 44,000 | Retail | Wiener Neudorf |
| 4 | voestalpine | 49,000 | Steel | Linz |
| 5 | OMV AG | 25,000 | Oil and gas | Vienna |
| 6 | Porsche Holding | 23,000 | Automotive | Salzburg |
| 7 | Mondi Group | 26,000 | Paper and packaging | Vienna |
| 8 | Borealis AG | 19,000 | Chemicals | Vienna |
| 9 | Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG | 18,000 | Automotive | Graz |
| 10 | Andritz AG | 27,000 | Engineering | Graz |
