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Netherlands: What is the secret of Dutch trade?

Rising protectionism in China and the United States, Brexit, contracting world trade... despite all the clouds on the horizon, the Dutch economy remains surprisingly bright.

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Coface announces new appointment of China Country Manager and Head of China Global Solutions

Coface announces today the appointment of Benoit Ganzmann as China Country Manager and Head of China Global Solutions effective 8 July. China Global Solutions is a new initiative to follow and service Chinese companies and their subsidiaries across the world.

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Coface's political risks overview: the temperature is rising on the African continent

With numerous bouts of conflicts, terrorism, and social and political tensions, which show no signs of stopping in the near future, Africa will continue to experience fragility and destabilisation.

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Coface Barometer - Trade tensions return to the forefront of the global economy

US/China trade war, struggling automotive sector, slower growth in emerging economies... the second quarter of 2019 highlights a global economic slowdown

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Asia Corporate Payment Survey 2019: Deteriorating payment trends amid trade war woes

Coface’s 2019 Asia Corporate Payment Survey covered over 3,000 companies in nine economies (Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan). 63% of companies surveyed stated that they experienced payment delays in 2018. The length of payment delays increased to 88 days on average in 2018, compared to 84 days in 2017. The length of payment delays was highest in China, Malaysia and Singapore; as well as the energy, construction and ICT sectors.

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Natural gas: an oscillation between boom and gloom

The natural gas market is booming and will increase in the medium term, but many factors point to a less promising future.

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Corporate insolvencies in France: microenterprises in the trough of the wave

While the yellow vests movement did have a strong impact on corporate insolvencies at the beginning of the year, the decline in mobilization and the resilience of economic growth had a positive impact on the health of French companies in March and April.

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From copycat to early bird: Taking stock of China’s 5G ambitions

China coordinated its approach to 5G and some successes are already visible. However, China still relies on imports, especially for high-end products, leaving the sector exposed to protectionist threats. Moreover, the deployment of 5G networks by Chinese companies is perceived as a cybersecurity risk by many recipient countries. The US is banning Huawei equipment and pressing its allies to do the same, which could limit the growth of Chinese 5G in the future (...)

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In a global economic slowdown, luxury continues to outperform but faces new challenges

Counterfeiting, e-commerce, Chinese consumers importance, even if it is generally relatively spared by recessions, the luxury market must adapt to a profoundly changing economy if it does not want to lose its exceptional status.

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Central Asia, China, and Russia: a three-way partnership of reason

Located on two branches of the New Silk Road (Belt and Road or B&R), Central Asia is both a trading partner and gateway for China and Europe; Russia’s long-standing influence in the region through expatriate transfers, its military bases, and culture is also of note. For the moment, China and Russia find reasons for rapprochement in their opposition to Western ideas and their fight against the spread of radical Islam. However, the balance of power could soon change as China is the largest provider of funding for corridor development in the region.

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The turnaround in the industrial cycle hits companies in the chemicals sector in Europe and North America

Signs of a slowing global economy continue to accumulate - 2019: the number of insolvencies will increase in two-thirds of countries (+3% in Western Europe) - The chemical industry in Europe and North America is suffering from fewer opportunities in the automotive sector - Improvements in assessments are concentrated in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia's upgrade (B)

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Coface delivers a strong first quarter 2019

Net income at €36.4m and RoATE at 9.0%, supported by full impact of Fit to Win plan, portfolio growth and sound underwriting management

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Despite five years of Modinomics, India continues to be constrained by economic fragilities

When Narendra Modi ran for Prime Minister in 2014, he pledged to boost the competitiveness of India’s industrial sector to promote growth. Modi will be running for president again in India’s general elections between 11 April and 19 May (...)

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Mexico and Brazil taking opposite directions in terms of energy policies

2019 will be marked by high volatility in the global oil market - Brent crude oil price to average USD 65 in 2019, according to Coface estimates - In Mexico, the financial stress already faced by Pemex might not be contained - Brazil oil policy is expected to have positive knock-on effect in the medium term

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Coface announces the publication of its 2018 Registration Document

The 2018 Registration Document includes the following information: The 2018 Annual financial report; The Report on corporate governance (attached to the management report); The Statutory Auditors’ reports and the news release concerning their fees; The description of the share buyback program; The draft resolutions submitted to the vote of the Combined Shareholders’ Meeting of May 16th 2019; The Non-Financial Performance Statement.

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Coface launches credit-insurance offer in Greece

Local companies set to benefit from Coface’s expertise in risk prevention and payment protection.

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Coface announces new appointments in Australia and Singapore

Coface announces today the following changes in the country leadership in Australia and Singapore.

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China Payment Survey 2019: Longer delays as growth falters

2018 proved to be a relatively challenging year for China. Growth slowed to 6.6% and is expected to decline further in 2019 (6.2%, according to Coface forecasts). As a result, 59% of the 1500 Chinese companies that participated in Coface’s survey believe the economy will not improve in 2019, the worst since 2003 (...)

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Turkish economy: domestic demand still waning but exports fuelled by the lira’s depreciation

Stagflation becoming a reality, exports are a key-source of revenues for economy, especially in the automotive sector. Exporters are flexible; government support is vital for exporters to gain new market shares

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Two pitfalls for businesses in 2019: the economic downturn and political risks

An increasing number of pitfalls, such as escalating political risk, the high volatility of commodity prices, and supply constraints, began to slow world growth in late 2018 and cast a shadow over the outlook for 2019 (3 % in 2019, after 3.2 % in 2018 and 2017).

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