Cautious Optimism Among Romanian Managers in Q4 2024
Retail Sector on a Sustained Growth Path

In the current economic environment, marked by volatility and unpredictability, Romania’s economy shows varied trends across key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, retail and services, as highlighted by the latest report from the Romanian National Institute of Statistics*. The report anticipates economic trends for the coming months based on the sentiment of managers representing each activity sector.

The most optimistic domains are retail, where company leaders expect growth in activity for Q4 of 2024 and construction and services, where managers expect employment stability. However, rising prices are anticipated in construction and retail, according to the same report.

Manufacturing: Moderate Growth, but Decline in Employment

For the manufacturing sector, managers predict – according to the National Institute of Statistics report, moderate growth in production volume at 7%, suggesting cautious optimism.

Employment forecasts are less optimistic, with a projected moderate decline of 6% in workforce numbers.

The forecasted 15% increase in industrial product prices indicates additional cost pressures.

Construction: Moderate Decline in Production and Rising Prices

Forecasts for the construction sector indicate a moderate production decline of 11%.

Conversely, construction prices are expected to rise significantly, by as much as 23%. Employment is expected to remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease of 5%.

Retail: 20% increase in economic activity

The retail sector is on a sustained growth trajectory. Managers expect a 20% increase in economic activity and a moderate 16% rise in order volumes from suppliers.

Employment in retail is projected to grow slightly, by 11%, reflecting a positive outlook on commercial activity for the year-end months. However, the sector is also experiencing a significant increase in retail prices, up to 30%, in accordance to National Institute of Statistics report.

Services: Relative Stability, though Price Pressures

In the services sector, managers’ estimates indicate relative stability in demand, with a 5% increase.

Employment is expected to remain constant, but the price pressures remain a concern in this sector, with a projected 15% increase in billing prices.

* National Institute of Statistics