At the end of 2024, the general situation of Liechtenstein's industrial and service companies was predominantly assessed as good. The business situation and profitability remained largely stable in the 4th quarter of 2024. In contrast, the number of employees declined.
Insufficient demand remains the primary obstacle to production and performance, followed by a shortage of labor. Overall, 27% of the companies surveyed reported insufficient demand, while 16% cited a shortage of labor as an obstacle. In addition, 7% of the companies surveyed now identified financing bottlenecks as an obstacle. Service companies are particularly affected by insufficient demand. For example, 15% of industrial companies and 38% of service companies are confronted with insufficient demand.
The business situation and profitability are expected to remain unchanged in the first quarter of 2025. In terms of staffing levels, however, a downward trend is forecast. Industrial companies are issuing a mixed forecast overall and expect a decrease in headcount on the one hand and an increase in incoming orders on the other. Service companies anticipate an increase in demand. There are also different trends in the forecast within the sectors. The metal industry has mixed forecasts for the first quarter of 2025, while the non-metal industry and the construction industry are more positive about the future. Within the service companies, the insurance industry in particular is optimistic for the first quarter of 2025. While the banking industry paints a mixed picture for the future, companies in the retail trade and general services sector are hardly expecting any changes.