Industries

Brazil is the seventh largest economy in the world with a GDP of $2.233 trillion in 2012. Economic growth declined sharply in 2012 due to low domestic and exports demand. In an effort to revive the economic growth, the government initiated policies in 2012 to reduce energy costs, restructure oil royalty payments, and strengthen investment in infras...

In 2013, Western Europe will not be characterized by an immediate recovery. The region is showing some signs of stability, with growth prospects relying more on external trade. High unemployment levels are expected to affect domestic demand and consumer spending. Germany will heavily influence the region's growth possibilities and recovery, support...

The Western European economy is likely to recover at a very slow pace in 2013, as economic uncertainty continues to loom. The Government of France needs to focus on reducing the fiscal deficit, increasing tax on companies, and reducing public spending in Q1 2013. Germany has succeeded in maintaining a positive trade balance and this is expected to ...

Operating in isolation is a thing of the past and industrial convergence appears to be the new norm. The convergence of industries such as automotive, healthcare, information technology, chemicals, and so on, has given rise to a number of niche sectors and potential growth opportunities. The United States and Canada are witnessing revolutionary tec...

The emerging countries of the Latin American region—Chile, Colombia, and Mexico—are likely to experience moderate growth during the first two quarters of 2013. Economic growth would be largely dependent on domestic demand, and increasing infrastructure investment. Growth in exports is expected to be moderate due to slow global recovery in 2013....

Commodity demand in Australia has been badly affected by the weakening growth in China. A reduction in government spending may help register the current account surplus by 2013. In Japan, exports are expected to be low in 2013 due to decrease in demand and the strong yen. Industrial production is likely to slow down further due to border disputes w...

Emerging Europe is expected to continue to experience sluggish growth in H1 2013 (H1 denotes the first half of the year) due to the spillover effect of the Eurozone crisis. Investor confidence will remain low. As per the European Union’s prescription, governments are to exercise stringent fiscal measures in order to limit budget deficits. This wi...

The BRICS countries showed signs of slowing down in the latter half of 2012, and could continue into 2013. Brazil’s business environment is likely to be strong in 2013. Russia’s dual pricing is putting pressure on the economy, but the reduction of import tariffs on drugs and medical devices could boost its healthcare sector. The Indian Governme...

Manufacturing competitiveness in the United States is expected to improve in 2013. Due to the shale gas and shale oil revolution and a subsequent decline in natural gas prices, the US could regain its competitive advantage in 2013. The outlook for the chemicals industry for 2013 is bullish; it is expected to serve as a major driver of economic grow...