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Problems remain in the building sectors of most of the countries covered in this issue of the Market Monitor. Consequently, the outlook for the construction industry in 2015 remains muted.

Problems remain in the building sectors of most of the countries covered in this issue of the Market Monitor. Consequently, the outlook for the construction industry in 2015 remains muted.

In 2015 the Mexican construction industry is forecast to grow 4 %.

In 2015 we expect the construction sector in Germany to perform well and construction insolvencies to decrease by 3%, less than the 5% decrease forecast for business insolvencies in Germany overall.

After a modest growth of 0.5 % in 2014, the construction output in Brazil is expected to grow at more or less the same level in 2015.

A 9 % increase is forecast for the US construction sector in 2015; the vast majority of construction and design firm executives believe the market is stable or growing.

It is expected that construction output growth will continue in the UK in 2015 and also continue to broaden out beyond house building.

With poor demand, on-going pressure on prices and a high number of insolvencies, the construction sector in Belgium is going through difficult times.

Vietnam is extremely export-driven, specialising in textiles and footwear. The economy is shifting towards higher value added sectors such as electronics.

After 3.1% growth in 2014, Singapore’s economic growth is expected to accelerate to 3.4% in 2015, driven by investment; among other things, in its infrastructure.

Malaysia’s business environment is considered to be far more favourable than that of its regional neighbours, apart from Singapore, and the financial sector is strong.

After a disappointing 5.1% in 2014, Indonesia’s economic growth is expected to accelerate by around 6% in 2015.

As in 2013 and 2014, fierce competition means that the Dutch construction sector is still affected by price wars, leading to on-going pressure on margins.

India’s rebound is expected to be driven by the resumption of stalled infrastructure projects, high investment, urbanisation, the improvement of the business environment and structural reforms.

Although economic growth is slowing, the business environment is generally stable. The challenge for the Chinese authorities is to implement reforms to reduce the vulnerabilities in the economy.

The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of food and agricultural products. The weakening of the euro gave a boost to further export growth.

Despite some problems, the Italian food sector benefits from its non-cyclical nature, its large and varied client base and a strong export performance.

The German food sector has continued to grow in the first half of 2014. Domestically, there is increased competition caused by large retailers and discounters’ dominating market share.

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

Concerns that credit quality could be deteriorating in several countries in Asia Pacific are growing.

43.8% of Japanese respondents said that the biggest challenge to business profitability was falling demand for their products and services, the highest percentage of all Asia Pacific nations surveyed.

Respondents in Hong Kong indicated that their biggest challenge to profitability this year would be maintaining adequate cash flow, with 37.4% stating this to be the case.

The UK car market continued to grow last year. Compared to other UK industries, the automotive sector’s default and insolvency rate is good, with a stable outlook.

The automotive sector was hit hard by the economic crisis, as lower domestic consumption and difficulties accessing finance led to a slump in the car market. However, a rebound began in 2013.

The downward trend in the French automotive industry appears to have bottomed out, and there are signs of a modest rebound.

Although China ́s economic growth is forecast to slow down in 2014, there are many positive catalysts for the car industry , and we expect a second straight year of strong growth.

Russia ́s fiscal position still looks robust. Public debt has been relatively stable at 8% since the global credit crisis of 2008/2009 and is even set to decline in 2015.

The German steel sector is profiting from robust domestic demand, mainly from the construction and automotive industries, with apparent steel use expected to grow 4.5% in 2014.

On average, payments in the Indian steel/metals industry have remained unchanged since last year, taking between 60 and 90 days.

Trade successfully with the Czech Republic looks at ten principles that those seeking to expand into the Czech Republic should follow to avoid some of the pitfalls of trading in untried territory.

When trading with UAE, foreign exporters need to consider the deep cultural and religious basis of life there. Trade successfully with UAE is designed to help exporters expand into this vibrant market

'Trade successfully with' reports highlight the opportunities that emerging markets offer foreign exporters, and the steps to take to avoid the pitfalls of trading in new and unknown territories.

Indonesia offers a wealth of business opportunities if you approach the market in the right way. The principles underlined in this report look at how a successful trading relationship can be achieved.

Doing business in Brazil can be challenging if you’re not used to the local business environment. The ten principles set out in this report can help make trading relationships lasting and successful.

China is a major economic and trading power. Trade successfully with China sets out ten simple-to-follow rules that can help make your trading relationships with China lasting and successful.

Turkey has traditionally been a strong trade partner for both Europe and Asia. The ten principles underlined in this report look at how a successful trading relationship can be achieved.

Russia remains an important market in the global economy. The ten easy to follow principles of the report are meant to help businesses mitigate risks when exporting to Russia.