Aruanded

German steel producers and distributors are facing structural challenges, as lower steel prices and competition from Asia hit margins.

Insolvencies have decreased in 2014 and are expected to level off in 2015. The insolvency level in this segment is quite low.

Competition in the sector is high, and there are clear signs of price wars as the industry is struggling with overcapacity and weaker demand.

Structural overcapacity in the industry had a negative effect on businesses´ profit margins in 2014, and this negative trend is expected to continue in 2015.

Atradius identifies the most likely outcome of the UK’s in-out referendum set for 2017 and the sectors and countries most vulnerable to Brexit.

In 2015, Australian business insolvencies are expected to increase slightly by 2% as economic growth slows down and the mining industry faces mounting troubles.

The insolvency outlook for 2015 has weakened and difficulties are expected to continue into 2016.

The sector benefits from higher machinery investments as the Japanese economic recovery is on track (GDP is expected to grow 1.0% in 2015 and 1.5% in 2016 after a modest contraction in 2014).

In 2015 production is expected to increase at around 2%, the same level as in 2014.

The machinery sector in Brazil is being severely impacted by an economic downturn (Brazilian GDP is expected to contract 1.5% in 2015).