The general situation in the industrial sector in the third quarter of 2021 (Q3) was stable, according to the perceptions of business leaders interviewed in a survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

A stagnation is thus seen in the balance of opinion (the difference between the “improvement” and “worsening” in response rates) of the interviewed business leaders.

This balance went from a rate of 5% during Q2 2021 to a rate of 6% in Q3 2021, says the survey on the situation and prospects of industrial enterprises, Q3 2021, conducted by the INS. In Q4 2021, the sector’s general situation is expected to improve, according to the business leaders’ estimates.

On this issue, the survey showed a slight increase in the balance of opinion, with a rate of 29% expected in Q4 2021 against 21% in Q3 of the same year.

With regard to industrial production in Q3 2021, business leaders operating in the manufacturing industries reported a stability in Q3 2021.

As such, between Q2 and Q3 2021, the balance of opinion of various responders remains stable, with a balance of 7% in Q3 2021 against 4% in Q2 2021.

As for the outlook for industrial production in Q4 2021, industrial business leaders expect production to fall, with a balance of opinion of 6% in Q4 2021 compared with 15% in Q3 2021.

Demand for industrial materials will be stable in Q3 2021, according to business leaders’ opinions.

This shows a balance of opinion of 4% in Q3 2021 compared to 6% in Q2 2021, indicating a stagnation in the balance of opinion of the questioned business leaders.

In Q4 2021, it is expected that this demand for industrial materials will remain stable, with a balance of opinion of around 17% in Q4 2021 compared to 14% in Q3 2021.

With regard to external demand for materials, business leaders foresee a slight drop in this demand in Q3 2021, with a balance of opinion of -9% in Q3 2021 compared to -5% in Q2 2021.

The outlook for Q4 2021 is also based on a fall in overseas demand, according to business leaders, with a balance of opinion of 3% compared to a balance of 13% in Q3 2021, thereby posting a fall in the balance of opinion.

This survey on the business leaders’ perceptions was conducted on a sample of 991 industrial enterprises during the period from September 1 to November 1, 2021.

Source: Tap News Agency