Publications

Productivity increases and economic diversification are the main long-term challenges.

GDP growth in 2016 (up 2.5%) still below the country´s growth potential, and political uncertainty remains an issue.

Atradius picks the top 8 markets for business opportunities in 2016. These emerging markets have been showing strong performances over the past three years and are expected to improve further in 2016.

The first increase in US interest rates in almost 10 years may lead to trouble in emerging markets.

Food exports grew 2.1% in 2014 and are expected to increase further in 2015.

The French food industry has benefited from falling raw material prices and a weaker euro, which helped boost competitiveness abroad.

Due to the weaker exchange rate and increased demand from overseas markets, Dutch food exports increased in 2015 and are expected to rise further in 2016.

Italian profit margins have decreased in 2015 but are expected to remain stable in 2016.

In 2015, Polish food exports are expected to reach a historical peak.

Profitability of food producers has increased in 2014 and is expected to remain stable in 2015.

The Irish food sector has benefited from the weaker euro, the rebound of the Irish economy and growing consumer confidence.

Prices for food have grown and local production has increased in order to subsitute lacking imports.

The average payment duration in the Spanish food industry is 70 days.

Food business insolvencies are expected to increase by about 15% in 2015.

Profit margins of food businesses in the United States are expected to remain stable in 2016.

Natural gas prices have fallen significantly in Asia and Europe on the back of the sliding oil price. As more LNG comes on the market regional prices are set to remain low.

Robust growth rates persist, but lower exports hurt the manufacturing sector.

Crucial reforms have been passed, but their proper implementation remains to be seen.

Growth is expected to slow down, while business insolvencies to increase in 2015 and 2016.

Nearly half of the respondents in Australia said that the risk of payment delay and default from B2B buyers has increased over the past six months. One in five respondents rated it as “significant”.