26 October 2018

2018- n° 282

In October 2018, the economic climate keeps improving in civil engineering Quaterly survey of public works - October 2018

According to the business managers surveyed in October 2018, the economic climate in civil engineering has improved compared to the previous quarter. The civil engineering professionals are confident: all the balances of opinion stand well above their long-term average.

In October 2018, more business managers than in July have indicated an increase in their activity over the last three months, mainly due to private-sector projects. The corresponding balance of opinion has increased again and stands far above its long-term average. Otherwise, slightly more business managers than in July forecast an increase in their activity over the next three months. The corresponding balance is stable for both types of customers, public sector and private sector, and remains in both cases well above its long-term average. Furthermore, business managers deem that their order books remain well filled; the corresponding balance of opinion remains largely above its long-term average.

In October 2018, the obstacles to production increase due to workforce shortage have slightly diminished. Indeed, 49% of businesses have indicated being hampered because of workforce shortage, that is slightly less than in the previous quarter but still largely more than the long-term average (15%).

More business managers than in July 2018 plan to increase their workforce in the next few months. The corresponding balance has improved again in October and stands far above its long-term average.