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Access a snapshot of the credit risk situation and business performance of 14 major industries in your country. The forecast is based on the assessment of Atradius underwriters.
Average payment duration in the food sector is 40 days, and the amount of payment delays and insolvencies remains low compared to other Dutch industries.
As food processors and retailers demand longer payment terms from their suppliers, a wave of longer payment terms is being created along the supply chain.
The outlook for food exports remains positive, with further demand growth from overseas expected, due to the strong reputation of “Made in Italy” food.
Key challenges for food retailers are the increasingly competitive market environment and the very high wage pressure, which is diminishing profit margins.
The recent profit margin increase is expected to bottom out in the coming months due to a slowdown in inflation and increasing competition in food retail.
The average payment duration in the food industry is 60 days, and the number of payment delays remained low in 2017, with no increase expected in 2018.
Overcapacity remains the main challenge, as the rebalancing of the economy from investment and export-driven growth towards private consumption continues.
The steel and metals sector remains resilient for the time being, but the market environment is turning increasingly difficult with more downside risks.
Demand from construction and automotive as key buyer sectors has been robust in 2017, and steel price increases have been pushed through the supply chain.
While in general insolvencies are not expected to rise sharply, an increase in business failures in Puerto Rico and the Houston area cannot be ruled out.
Export orientation and diversification are key factors for business success in a business environment characterised by overcapacity and volatile prices.
Due to a high non-performing assets level banks remain reluctant to provide loans, and external financing at competitive conditions remains a challenge.
Payment experience has been good over the past two years, and steel and metals insolvencies decreased in 2016, with a stable outlook for 2017 and 2018.
Banks have generally tightened their lending policies for steel businesses due to the fierce competitive environment and still subdued domestic demand.