The National Statistical Institute published the business surveys data – August 2013. In August the total business climate indicator preserves its level from the previous month as a reduction of the indicator is observed only in industry.
Industry. The composite indicator “business climate in industry” decreases by 4.7 percentage points in comparison with July due to the more moderate managers’ assessments and expectations about the business situation of the enterprises. At the same time the present production activity assessed as slight improved, but the expectations about the activity over the next 3 months are more reserved.
The main obstacles for the business development in the branch remain the uncertain economic environment and insufficient domestic demand pointed out respectively by 57.2% and 45.1% of the industrial entrepreneurs.
Concerning the selling prices in the branch the most of the managers forecast preservation of their level over the next 3 months.
Construction. In August the composite indicator “business climate in construction” increases by 2.4 percentage points which is due to the more optimistic construction entrepreneurs’ assessments about the present business situation of the enterprises. In their opinion the present construction activity is improved, as their prognoses over the next 3 months remain favourable. The inquiry also registers a decrease in the number of the clients with delay in payments.
The main factor limiting the activity in the branch continues to be the uncertain economic environment. In the background remain the financial problems, competition in the branch and insufficient demand.
As regards the selling prices in the branch the prevailing managers’ expectations are they to remain unchanged over the next 3 months.
Retail trade. The composite indicator “business climate in retail trade” increases by 1.0 percentage point compared to the previous month due to the improved retailers’ assessments about the present business situation of the enterprises. The opinions about the volume of sales over the last 3 months are improved as well the expectations over the next 3 months are more favourable. The inquiry registers also increased optimism in the retailers’ forecasts as regards the orders placed with suppliers.
The most serious problem for the business development in the branch continues to be the uncertain economic environment followed by the insufficient demand as in August a decrease of the negative impact of the third most important factor “competition in the branch” is observed (by 10.6 percentage points).
The managers’ expectations about the selling prices in the retail trade are for preservation of their level over the next 3 months.
Service sector. In August the composite indicator “business climate in service sector” increases by 6.6 percentage points which is due to the more optimistic managers’ assessments about the present business situation of the enterprises. As regards the demand for services the present tendency is estimated as improved, but the expectations over the next 3 months are more unfavourable.
The factor, limiting with the most extent activity of the enterprises in the sector, remains the uncertain economic environment. However in the last month the inquiry registers strengthen the unfavourable influence of the factors “competition in the branch” and “insufficient demand”.
Concerning the selling prices in the service sector the managers’ expectations are they to remain unchanged over the next 3 months.