Informations Rapides · 26 January 2023 · n° 24

In January 2023, the opinion of the business managers in civil engineering on their activity prospects has degraded compared to October Quaterly survey of public works - January 2023

In January 2023, the business managers in civil engineering are less optimistic than in October 2022 about their expected activity for the next three months. However, they also make a more positive assessment regarding their recent activity.

In January 2023, business managers are less optimistic than in October regarding their incoming activity for the next three months: the corresponding balance of opinion has clearly diminished and has almost returned to its long term average. This drop is essentially driven by the expected activity with the public sector: the associated balance of opinion has dropped, falling slightly below its long term average. The balance of opinion on the expected activity with the private sector has increased slightly and remains above its long term average.

Conversely, the opinion of business managers on the evolution of their activity over the past three months has improved in January 2023. The related balance of opinion has clearly rebounded and stands above its long term average, for both the public and private sector.

Additionally, the economic uncertainty felt by business managers has dropped and has reached its average.

In January 2023, the balance of opinion on the business managers’ order books has dropped sharply after five quarters of relative stability. However, it remains above its long term average.

In January 2023, difficulties due to a lack of manpower are less mentioned than in October: 45% of companies have reported some, a proportion remaining significant, way above its long term average.

In January 2023, fewer business managers than in October have reported that they plan to increase their workforce over the next three months. The corresponding balance has dropped but remains way above its long-term average.