Survey on Industry, Services and Construction 2021Aug
Published on 13 September 2021
Industry, market services and construction
Industry
- In August, industrial activity remained firm across the board.
According to the business leaders surveyed, inventory levels were recovering. Raw material prices continued to rise at a sustained pace.
The balance of opinion on cash flow has picked up and remains well above its long-term average. Order books remained strong.
Business leaders expect activity to prove resilient in September.
Opinion on the outlook for industrial production*
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA![]()
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA
Market Services
- In market services, activity barely changed overall in August. It increased sharply in the accommodation, equipment rental and temporary work sectors.
The cash position has fallen back slightly but remains above its long-term average overall. However, it continued to be subdued in food services.
Activity is expected to remain robust in September.
Opinion on the outlook for services activity*
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA![]()
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA
Construction
- Construction activity slowed down slightly.
Order books were up again and remained close to their all-time high. Like in previous months, business leaders reported an increase in quote prices.
According to the business leaders questioned, activity is expected to increase in September.
Opinion on the outlook for construction activity*
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA![]()
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA
* A positive (negative) balance of opinions corresponds to a rise (fall) in the evolution of activity. Balances of opinions may range from -200 to +200.
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Updated on 14 September 2021