Informations Rapides · 24 July 2026 · n° 181

In July 2026, the business climate in the civil engineering sector has continued to deteriorate markedly Quaterly survey of public works - July 2026

In July 2026, civil engineering business managers’ opinion on their activity, both past and expected, has deteriorated again. Surveyed entrepreneurs have judged their order books to be even more depleted than in the previous quarter, the corresponding balance reaching its lowest level since July 2016 (including the COVID-19 pandemic). Their opinion regarding the evolution of their expected workforce size has sharply worsened again.

In July 2026, entrepreneurs’ opinion on their activity over the past three months has continued to deteriorate: the balance has decreased for the third consecutive month and drifted again away from its long-term average. It evolves at levels not seen since October 2015 (excluding the COVID-19 pandemic). Among the entrepreneurs distinguishing their type of clientele (private or public), both balances have decreased sharply again, and stand well below their long-term average.

Regarding expected activity over the next three months, business managers are again markedly more pessimistic than in the previous quarter: the corresponding balance of opinion has decreased since April 2025 and has moved further away from its long-term average. It is also hovering around its lowest levels since 2015 (including the COVID-19 pandemic). For those who distinguish their type of clientele (private or public), both balances have decreased again, although more moderately for the private sector clients, and have moved away from their long-term average.

The balance of opinion on economic uncertainty felt by entrepreneurs has increased again, and stands close to its all-time level of April 2022 (series beginning in April 2021).

In July 2026, the balances of opinion relating to the level of order books of business managers in the sector have decreased sharply, for all contractors as well as for those who distinguish between their type of clientele (public or private). All these balances have moved away from their long-term average and have reached their lowest level since April 2016, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The balance of opinion on payment delays has strongly increased this quarter and has moved back markedly above its long-term average.

In July 2026, the balance of opinion regarding the evolution of the workforce size over the next three months has sharply decreased again and has drifted away from its long-term average.

In July 2026, the share of companies reporting that they are facing demand constraints has continued to increase: at 56%, it has moved further away from its long-term average. 20% of companies report difficulties linked to workforce shortage: this proportion has decreased slightly and stands just above its long-term average. The proportion of public works companies reporting difficulties related to adverse weather conditions has increased again: at 33% it has reached a level unseen since April 2018, markedly above its long-term average.