Public sector cuts begin to bite after CPA reports fall in Q3 sales activity for suppliers

Construction manufacturers have started to report a fall in sales activity due to public sector cuts, accord to the latest CPA State of Trade survey.

‘Heavy side’ manufacturers reported a deterioration in sales activity in the last quarter, though ‘light side’ suppliers still reported positive growth.

Manufacturers were pessimistic about growth over the next 12 months with 94% of heavy side manufacturers saying that weak demand would constrain growth.

The majority of manufacturers said they expected no significant change in exports of employment in the next 12 months.

Manufacturers said that in an increasingly competitive environment they were prepared to invest heavily in product and web development.

  • Year-on-year sales fell according to 44% of heavy side manufacturers in Q3
  • 94% of heavy side firms and 71% of light side firms suggest weak demand will constrain output over the next 12 months
  • 63% of heavy side firms and 75% of light side firms anticipate no change in export sales over the next 12 months
  • 65% of light side firms and 75% of heavy side companies expect employment to remain unchanged

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