In May 2018, the business conjuncture in the country continues to improve. The total business climate indicator increases by 2.1 percentage points compared to April and reaches new longterm maximum (33.1%) since 2009.
Industry. The composite indicator ‘business climate in industry’ increases by 1.4 percentage points as a result of the optimistic industrial entrepreneurs’ assessments about the present business situation of the enterprises. The inquiry reports certain improvement of the production assurance with orders, which is accompanied with favourable expectations about the production activity over the next 3 months. The main factors limiting the enterprises continue to be connected whit the uncertain economic environment and the shortage of labour. Concerning the selling prices in industry, the prevailing managers’ expectations are them to remain unchanged over the next 3 months.
Construction. In May the composite indicator ‘business climate in construction’ increases by 8.1 percentage points which is due to the improved construction entrepreneurs’ assessments and expectations about the business situation of the enterprises. Their opinions about the construction activity over the last 3 months, as well their expectations over the next 3 months are more favourable. The uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour and competition in the branch remain the most serious problems for the activity of the enterprises. As regards the selling prices in construction, the majority of the managers foresee preservation of their level over the next 3 months.
Retail trade. The composite indicator ‘business climate in retail trade’ decreases by 1.6 percentage points as a result of the more reserved retailers’ assessments and expectations about the business situation of the enterprises. However, their forecasts about the volume of sales and orders places with suppliers over the next 3 months are more favourable. In the last month the inquiry reports, strengthen of the negative impact of the factor ‘competition in the branch’, which shifts the enterprises’ difficulties related to the insufficient demand and uncertain economic environment. Concerning the selling prices, the prevailing retailers’ expectations are them to remain unchanged over the next 3 months .
Service sector. In May the composite indicator ‘business climate in service sector’ increases by 0.9 percentage points which is due to the more favourable managers’ assessments and expectations about the business situation of the enterprises. With regard to the demand for services, the present tendency is assessed as improved, but their expectations over the next 3 months are more reserved. The most serious obstacles for the business development in the sector continue to be connected with the competition in the branch and uncertain economic environment. As regards the selling prices, the inquiry registers certain expectations for increase, although the majority of the managers foresee preservation of their level over the next 3 months.
Source: National Statistical Institute