17.08.2023 - At the end of the second quarter of 2023, the general situation in industry and among service providers is assessed as satisfactory by the majority. Following the slightly positive assessments in the 1st quarter, the forecasts for the 2nd quarter, which were not expected to change,

Service companies continue to be severely affected by the lack of work. Although the companies surveyed in the industrial and construction sectors also cite this obstacle, there is a clear difference in frequency. In comparison with the service sector, only half as many companies, 24% compared to 46%, are affected by insufficient demand in both sectors, around one tenth. It is striking that a particularly large proportion in both sectors explicitly state that they are not confronted with any obstacles.

Service companies have a much more positive forecast for the third quarter. An increase is expected for both demand and headcount. This would directly counteract the most frequently mentioned obstacles. It should be noted here that the retail trade is not included. In contrast to the other economic sectors in the service sector, a decrease is even predicted. The companies surveyed in the industrial and construction sectors are not forecasting any changes to existing conditions for the next quarter.

Business Survey 2nd Quarter 2023