Informations Rapides · 23 October 2026 · n° 259

In October 2026, the economic outlook in the civil engineering sector has deteriorated a little further Quaterly survey of public works - October 2026

In October 2026, civil engineering business managers’ opinion on their activity, both past and expected, has deteriorated again. Business managers’ opinion on their order books has also kept on deteriorating, reaching a level not seen since April 2016.

In October 2026, entrepreneurs’ opinion on their activity over the past three months has kept on deteriorating. The corresponding balance has continued the decline that began in January 2026 and stands well below its long-term average. Among the entrepreneurs distinguishing their type of clientele (private or public), both balances have continued their downward trend that began in January 2026 as well, and also stand well below their respective long-term averages.

Regarding expected activity over the next three months, business managers are slightly more pessimistic than in the previous quarter: the balance has decreased, well below its long-term average. The situation is somewhat more mixed when distinguishing by type of clientele (private or public): the balance relating to public-sector clients has slightly increased, after six consecutive quarters of decline, but remains well below its long-term average. The balance relating to private-sector clients has continued to decrease, for the fourth consecutive quarter, and has moved away from its own.

The balance of opinion on economic uncertainty felt by entrepreneurs has increased again, for the sixth consecutive quarter, and has reached its highest level since the series began (in 2021). It has drifted further away from its long-term average.

In October 2026, the balances of opinion relating to the level of order books of business managers in the sector have decreased again, for all contractors as well as for those who distinguish between their type of clientele (public or private). All of these balances stand well below their respective long-term average and have reached levels not seen in over ten years.

The balance of opinion on payment delays has fallen back this quarter and has moved closer to its long-term average.

In October 2026, the balance of opinion regarding the evolution of the workforce size over the next three months has increased slightly, after two consecutive quarters of decline, but remains deteriorated, below its long-term average.

In October 2026, the share of companies reporting that they are facing demand constraints has increased again: at 64%, it has moved away from its long-term average and has reached its highest level since April 2016. 12% of companies report difficulties linked to workforce shortage: this proportion has decreased sharply again and has moved back below its long-term average.