CE Barometer results for May 2021

The May 2021 barometer survey was completed during the first three weeks of June.

The balance figure (the difference between those reporting on improvement or deterioration in conditions between February and March 2021) now stands at 38.2%, an improvement of more than 20% on last month’s figure, a significant result and perhaps an indication of strengthening order books.

Almost half of respondents to the latest survey (49.0%) reported an improvement in business in May, compared with April, with only 10.8% (the lowest figure since May 2018) reporting a reduction in business.

An even more significant picture can be seen when comparing today’s business with that of a year ago. More than three quarters (75.5%) of respondents reported improved business, with just 8% (the lowest figure seen in the entire 14-year history of the CE Barometer) reporting slower business.

The one sobering response from the industry professionals taking the survey comes with expected levels of business in a year’s time. On balance, the figure is still positive – in fact, slightly more positive than last month – but the difference from last month is only 2.7%. Nevertheless, a significant 57.8% anticipate better business a year from now, with just 11.8% expecting worse.

The April survey contains responses from professionals in 24 European countries.