Publications

Ongoing issues, but a strong automotive rebound expected in 2022

Cash flow and margins of many automotive suppliers are under pressure

The shift to e-mobility is a major challenge for many suppliers

Stable credit risk situation for the time being, but downside risks remain

Ongoing production delays could impact margins of automotive suppliers

Economic uncertainty hinders external financing for automotive businesses

A sharp increase in automotive insolvencies is expected

Increased credit risk for highly leveraged automotive suppliers

The recovery of automotive businesses margins has slowed down

Spain expects elevated insolvency levels in 2022. Businesses polled in the country reveal an increased appetite for the use of credit insurance over the coming months.

Despite further deterioration of the insolvency environment in Italy over the coming months, economy has started to grow again and with that business confidence in the future.

Global insolvencies are expected to climb 33% in 2022. All major regions should be affected. Businesses should brace for higher insolvency risks.

As the UK economy rebounds from the double shock of Brexit and the pandemic, businesses seeking growth should take steps to protect their accounts receivable from the impacts of trade credit risks.

Swiss businesses polled for the Payment Practices Barometer reported a challenging 2021, with sharp deteriorations in customer payment behaviour and big increases in write-offs.

Businesses polled in Sweden expect to see an increase in the frequency of credit sales, largely as a way of providing short-term finance for their B2B customers.

The pandemic-induced economic challenges fed into the payment delays and write-offs that have impacted the key markets we polled in the Netherlands this year.

Forecasts anticipate Ireland’s growth in 2022. However, a large proportion of the businesses polled in the country expressed a note of caution. Unknowns over the pandemic are still many.

Greece should see GDP return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022. However, this brighter outlook appears to be clouded by businesses' sense of caution over long-term after-effects of the crisis.

German GDP is forecast to rebound this year, enjoying a more robust acceleration by year-end 2022. However, late payments across industries cast a cloud over this outlook.

Late payments are a widespread issue among businesses we polled in France. Reportedly, higher use of credit insurance will help them mitigate the impact of trade credit risk on the business.