Annual wage increases in German companies operating in China are likely to decrease in 2014 due to the slower economic growth, as rising labor costs remain the major human resources issue, a report from the German Chamber of Commerce in China has said.

Overall wages are expected to increase 8.2 percent in 2014, compared with the 8.9-percent growth in 2013 and the 10.2-percent growth in 2012, according to the Wage and Salary Survey of 2013, which was released on Monday.

The survey was conducted between Aug 19 and Sept 17, with the participation of 287 companies, mainly in industries such as machinery, vehicles, electronics, and consulting.