Manufacturers expect investment to remain stable in 2010

In the autumn of 2009, manufacturers anticipate they will invest 10 percent less in 2009 than in 2008. The value of their investments is estimated at 7 billion euro. Companies in metal and electrical engineering have invested most: 2 billion euro.

Manufacturers in all sectors of industry expect a decrease. Companies in the petroleum industry are the most pessimistic, they expect to invest 25 percent less than in 2008. With a 4 percent decrease, manufacturers of food, drinks and tobacco anticipate the smallest drop. Companies in metal and electrical engineering industry expect investments to fall by 5 percent in 2009.

Investment spending foreseen for 2010 is much less negative than that in 2009. Manufacturers anticipate a limited decrease of 1 percent. The picture is mixed, though, with some sectors anticipating a rise and others a decrease.

Autumn surveys on expected investment spending in the manufacturing industry are conducted in September each year, while spring surveys are held in February.

Investments by manufacturing companies (2009 and 2010 are expectations)

Investments by manufacturing companies (2009 and 2010 are expectations)