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Barometer Q3 2021: Supply chain and inflation headwinds hamper the global recovery

More than 18 months after the global recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic started, the economic recovery continues.

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IS THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE METALS BOOM SUSTAINABLE?

Is the electric vehicle metals boom sustainable? The photo shows a woman connecting an electric car to an energy source.

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COFACE BAROMETER Q2 2021: A TWO-SPEED WORLD

18 months after the start of the pandemic, access to vaccination is now the main factor setting the pace of people's daily lives and the global economy.

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FOCUS ON REMOTE WORK : THE RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF VIRTUAL OFFSHORING

Remote work has emerged as a new norm during the Covid-19 pandemic. As we emerge from the crisis, this cultural shift could allow companies located in developed countries to hire teleworking talent in emerging countries to reduce their labour costs.

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CHINA PAYMENT SURVEY 2020: PAYMENT DELAYS WILL INCREASE FURTHER BECAUSE OF COVID-19

In the context of weaker activity in China due to the health crisis, Coface’s latest survey on business payments in China shows a deterioration in payment behaviour in 2019.

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WORLD TRADE: DESPITE A SUDDEN INTERRUPTION, GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS STILL HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE

Early 2020 marked by a sudden interruption in world trade, hampered by a global recession and soaring uncertainty

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COVID-19 SWINGS THE SPOTLIGHT BACK ONTO EMERGING COUNTRIES’DEBT

Even though their degree of vulnerability to this shock depends on many factors, the initial situation of their public finances is a key issue, as it determines their response capacity to the multitude of economic consequences of this
crisis

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COFACE BAROMETER: COVID-19 - HEADING TOWARDS A SUDDEN GLOBAL SURGE IN BUSINESS INSOLVENCIES

At first, the COVID-19 epidemic in China only affected a limited number of value chains – but it has since turned into a global pandemic.

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BUSINESS FAILURES IN FRANCE ARE LESS FREQUENT, BUT OF A LARGER SIZE

After a difficult first quarter, marked by the repercussions of the “yellow vests” movement, the number of corporate insolvencies since the beginning of the year in France is set to decline for the fourth consecutive year.

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THE GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AND ENHANCED REGULATIONS: A VERY STEEP PATH AHEAD

Hit by increasingly stringent regulations, particularly for environmental purposes, the global automotive industry is facing a downturn and is being forced to reinvent itself.

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EUROZONE ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN: EVIDENCE FROM COFACE’S ACTIVITY INDICATORS

Since the start of 2019, the signals warning of a slowdown in world growth have multiplied

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GCC: TIGHT FINANCIAL CONDITIONS FOR BUSINESSES FEED ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FINANCING

Despite improving economic performances across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), monetary and financial conditions remain tighter compared with before 2015. Access to financing remains one of the key issues for companies, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Loan growth in the region has recovered somewhat thanks to higher oil prices, but it remains below its historical average.

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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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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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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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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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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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Coface strengthens its market position in the Adriatic region by acquiring SID - PKZ, the leading credit insurance company in Slovenia

Coface announces today the acquisition of SID - PKZ, the market leader in credit insurance in Slovenia with a high market share. As Coface has acquired all SID - PKZ shares, the business will operate under the new brand name Coface PKZ. The acquisition supports Coface’s strategy of profitable growth in Central & Eastern Europe region.

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