Managers estimate price growth in construction and retail trade

Romanian managers estimate, for the period October – December 2024, a relative stability in the number of employees in construction and services as well as an increase in prices in construction and retail trade, according to data published on Monday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
The balance indicates the perception of the companies’ managers concerning the dynamics of a phenomenon, which should NOT be seen as the intensity of the increase or decrease of any statistical indicator that is produced by the INS. The balance is calculated as a difference between the percentage of the respondents who chose the positive alternative of the phenomenon and the percentage of those who indicated the negative alternative.

In October 2024, business trend forecasts indicate varying expectations across Romania’s manufacturing, construction, retail trade, and services sectors for the upcoming three months.

Manufacturing
Managers in the manufacturing industry anticipate a moderate production volume increase, with a balance of +7%. However, the sector expects a slight reduction in workforce (balance -6%) alongside a moderate price increase for industrial products (balance +15%).

Construction
Construction activity is expected to see a moderate production decrease, with a balance of -11%. The workforce is forecasted to remain relatively stable, with only a minor decrease anticipated (balance -5%). Construction costs, however, are set to rise, with a significant increase forecasted in prices (balance +23%).

Retail Trade
The retail trade sector shows more robust growth expectations. Managers project a 20% increase in economic activity, supported by a 16% growth in orders placed with suppliers. Retail employment is also expected to rise moderately (balance +11%), and retail prices are projected to see a notable increase (balance +30%).

Services
In services, demand (measured as turnover) is expected to maintain relative stability over the next quarter, with only a slight increase (balance +5%). Employee numbers in this sector are anticipated to remain stable, while service prices are forecasted to grow moderately (balance +15%).

Overall, the data suggests varied outlooks by sector, with notable pricing pressure in construction, retail, and services.

constructionemployeesmanagersNational Institute of Statistics (INS)price growthretail trade
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