RWI Konjunkturberichte

In 2014, the craft industry was able to increase sales by nominal 2.4%. The biggest sales growth (5.6%) was reported in health crafts. This handicraft sector benefited both from the demographic change and the income situation of households that spend more on medical aids when the economic situation is favourable. The second largest increase (3.6%) was recorded for the crafts for private use, being a consequence of the households ́ improved income situation. Those crafts branches that offer services for commercial needs benefited from the slightly higher propensity to invest. Their revenues increased by 3%. The artisanal construction continued to be very busy during 2014. Total sales in the construction sector went up by 2.7%, construction activities raised by 1.4% compared to 2013. The motor trade has regained traction and increased its sales by 2.4%. Sales in the artisanal food production developed below-average; the total sales growth amounted to 0.8% in nominal terms. The employment record remained negative despite the overall good economic situation in the craft industry. The number of employees in craft enterprises decreased by 0.1%. While the number of employees in the construction sector, compared to 2013, remained unchanged, the health crafts (0.9%), the crafts for commercial use (0.6%) and the crafts for industrial supply (0.5%) were able to increase their headcount. Employment in the motor trade (-0.2%) as well as in craft companies working for the private use (-1.6%) developed negatively. For 2015, we expect a further nominal increase in sales of 2.0 to 2.5% on average. Not least due to the continuing competitive pressure employment will not be affected fundamentally. Rather, a stabilized employment situation (0% - 1.0%) can be expected at best.

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