The OE-A (Organic and Printed Electronics Association) has rather mixed feelings despite positive expectations in the current business climate survey. For this year, the OE-A expects sales to increase by 16%, which is slightly less optimistic than in the spring survey. Growth of 18% is expected for next year.
The latest edition of the biannual survey shows that the industry remains confident. However, due to the recent crises and the associated uncertainties, the association sees signs that at least part of the industry is anticipating weaker business in the coming months.
Among other things, the survey revealed that only 6% of survey participants plan to increase their investments in production within the next six months. This is a sharp decline compared to the results of the last survey in February 2023 (+71%). It is clear that the geopolitical situation, high energy costs and inflation are taking their toll. Only half of the companies (46%) expect the sector to continue to develop positively.
80% of the companies surveyed will increase their investments in the next six months
Despite the uncertainties, more than 80% of the companies surveyed will increase their investments in the next six months in 2024. 42% of respondents expect employment to remain stable and more than half of the companies are even planning to increase the number of employees.
Despite the challenges, the OE-A expects a satisfactory year for the industry, as incoming orders are at a good level. The latest technical developments will be on display at LOPEC in March 2024.
