26 April 2018

2018- n° 109

In April 2018, the economic climate is stable in civil engineering Quaterly survey of public works - April 2018

According to the business managers surveyed in April 2018, the economic climate in civil engineering is stable. The civil engineering professionals remain confident: all the balances of opinion remain far above their long-term average.

In April 2018, fewer business managers than in January have indicated an increase in their activity over the past three months, for both public-sector and private-sector projects, probably in connection with unfavourable weather conditions in the first quarter of 2018. The corresponding balances of opinion have slipped back while remaining well above their long-term average. In contrast, more business managers than in January forecast an increase in their activity over the next three months. The corresponding balance has bounced back for both types of customers, public sector and private sector, and exceeds its long-term average more largely. However, business managers deem that their order books are slightly less filled; the corresponding balance of opinion has fallen back while remaining well above its long-term average.

In April 2018, obstacles to production due to workforce shortage are still significant. Indeed, 38% of businesses have indicated being hampered because of workforce shortage, much more than on long-term average (15%) and a shade less than in January when this share had reached its highest level since April 2008.

Slightly more business managers than in the beginning of this year plan to increase their workforce in the next few months. The corresponding balance has edged up and stands far above its long-term average.