What are the prospects for industry players in 2024?

Manufacturers in the construction equipment sector have therefore revised their turnover forecast downwards. This is expected to decline by -7,2% in 2024 (compared to a forecast of -6,0% in December 2023). The order book also continues to weaken. Industrialists are pessimistic about the evolution of the European and, to a lesser extent, French markets.

In the handling equipment sector, the companies surveyed also revised their turnover downwards. Thus, manufacturers are counting on an increase in their activity in value terms of +2,1% (compared to a forecast of +5,0% in December 2023). Although order books appear to be at a close to normal level, manufacturers are noticing a drop in order intake, particularly in France and Europe.

Concerning industrial equipment, the manufacturers' forecast for turnover remains unchanged compared to the last survey: +1,7% in 2024. The order book remains below average. However, manufacturers seem rather optimistic regarding European markets (European Union and Europe outside the EU).

Finally, it is in the fluid equipment sector that manufacturers are most optimistic. The turnover forecast increased by more than 1 point, from +2,0% to +3,4%. This progression is mainly driven by a more optimistic view of export activity (from +1,0% to +3,6%), particularly in America (North and South).

Manufacturers in all sectors still perceive recruitment difficulties. These difficulties are found in particular in positions requiring travel (salespeople, after-sales service technicians, etc.), but also in profiles for production or design offices.

For the four sectors, certain markets seem more promising for the export of equipment. North America, and especially the United States, the Maghreb countries, Europe, Asia (India) and the Near and Middle East are the regions most cited by manufacturers.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.