Reports

Large food businesses are active globally and performing well, while smaller producers and wholesalers generally face tough competition and low margins.

Gearing of food businesses is generally high, and can be a significant risk for companies with weak profitability and focus on the domestic market.

The outlook for food exports remains positive, with further demand growth from overseas expected, due to the strong reputation of “Made in Italy”.

The economic downturn of two main export markets - Brazil and Angola - has led to reduced exports and, to some extent, investment levels in the sector.

While the industry is still fragmented, consolidation is on-going and companies should gain size and become more competitive domestically and abroad.

Economic growth is expected to pick up in 2017, but uncertainty about the new US administration (potential protectionist trade policies) casts a shadow.

The consequences of any US shift on its Mexico policy remain to be seen, but increased currency volatility has already an negative impact on the economy.

Steady, but uneven growth is expected to persist. Domestic demand is the main driver of expansion, but manufacturing and export performance remain subdued.

Pressures on international trade are mounting around the globe and the outlook is increasingly uncertain.

Automotive suppliers´ margins remain structurally under pressure, as the powerful car manufacturers demand greater productivity, coupled with lower prices.

Suppliers´ margins have decreased for the last couple of years, due to higher material and labour costs, rising competition and pressure on sales prices.

The Spanish automotive industry continues to benefit from the on-going economic rebound of the domestic economy as well as from increasing car exports.

The short-term outlook remains benign, but the Brexit decision will surely have an impact on domestic car sales and British car exports in the mid-term.

While market conditions for the sector are expected to remain favourable for the time being, some downside risks could materialise in the course of 2017.

In this sector payment experience has been satisfying over the past two years, and non-payments are not expected to increase in the coming months.

As car sales approach the pre-recession peak, the sector needs to adjust from what has been a growth environment to a more steady-state market situation.

The Mexican automotive sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with production forecast to increase to 5.2 million vehicles in 2020.

Major strengths of the Slovakian automotive industry are its close proximity to core export markets in Europe, low labour costs, and government support.

Most businesses in the automotive sector should be financially resilient enough to cope with some minor volatility in demand or commodity prices.

Foreign exchange risks, fierce competition, high taxes and the fact that many businesses are undercapitalised pose downside risks for the industry.