Survey on Industry, Services and Construction 2022Mar
Published on 12 April 2022
Industry, market services and construction
Industry
- Industrial activity fell slightly overall in March. It increased in chemicals and in wood, paper and printing, but fell sharply in the automotive industry and in the manufacture of rubber and plastic products.
According to business leaders, raw material prices continued to rise at a brisk pace in a context marked by the war in Ukraine. The balance of opinion on finished goods price developments increased sharply.
The balance of opinion on cash positions remained above its long-term average. Order books remained strong, but weakened slightly due to a decline in new orders.
Business leaders expect activity to increase very slightly in April, but the medium-term outlook is shrouded in significant uncertainty, due to supply difficulties and the conflict in Ukraine.
Opinion on the outlook for industrial production*
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA![]()
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA
Market Services
- In market services, activity continued to improve in March. Growth was particularly robust in personal services (accommodation and food services, rental activities) thanks to the emergence from the public health crisis. Business services also improved.
Business leaders reported a modest rise in prices, especially in transport services.
Staff levels continued to grow at a sustained pace, particularly in business services.
Business leaders expect activity to rise further in April.
Opinion on the outlook for services activity*
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA![]()
Balance of opinions, SA-WDA
Construction
- Construction sector activity lost some momentum in March, but still continued to rise, buoyed by finishing works.
Order books weakened but remained above their long-term average. Business leaders reported an increase in quote prices.
Business leaders anticipate a very slightly decline in activity in April.
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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CON_IND_SER_BAT_2252_en__business-industry-services-construction-march-2022.pdf
Updated on 13 April 2022