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Despite signs of stabilisation since H2 of 2017 the ICT sector remains fragile, with businesses’ profit margins expected to shrink further in 2018.

Payment behaviour in the ICT sector has been good over the past two years, and the number of payment delays and insolvencies is expected to remain low.

Despite minor improvements, the impact of late payments cannot be denied and businesses in Asia Pacific need more time to convert B2B invoices into cash.

In 2018, respondents in Australia reported a steep increase in DSO and the need for more time to convert B2B invoices into cash.

Payment delays have remained largely stable and payment duration improved. Bankruptcy and failed collection attempts remain top reasons for write-offs.

Despite improvements, the proportion of overdue B2B invoices and that of uncollectable B2B receivables in Hong Kong remain some of the highest in Asia Pacific.

2018 brought many changes in India – more frequent payment delays, increases in the proportion of overdue B2B invoices and DSO, a longer payment duration.

In 2018, respondents in Indonesia reported an increase in the frequency of late payment and a significant increase in overdue B2B invoices.

In 2018, respondents in Japan reported an increase in overdue B2B invoices and a longer time to convert B2B invoices into cash.

Despite improvements, the vast majority of respondents in Singapore reported frequent late payments by their B2B customers.

Changes in the average payment terms and payment delays brought an increase in Taiwan’s average payment duration which is the second highest in the region.

In 2018, economic growth is expected to remain above 2%, sustained by domestic and international demand. The momentum is forecast to slow down in 2019.

In 2018 the number of Belgian business insolvencies will still be higher than the levels seen before the start of the global credit crisis in 2008.

The Danish economy has regained some of its international competitiveness due to structural reforms that addressed the issue of high labour costs.

With about 55,000 business failures recorded in 2017 the number of insolvencies was still as high as during the start of the credit crisis in 2008.

Economic expansion remains broad-based, driven by private consumption and business investments, while export growth is sustained by the eurozone demand.

The Irish economy is expected to grow by about 4% in 2018, but remains exposed to ongoing economic uncertainties stemming from the Brexit decision.

Despite a forecast 10% year-on-year decrease in 2018 the number of business insolvencies will still be much higher than the levels registered in 2008.

A potential downside risk would be another deterioration in house prices, given high levels of mortgage debt and banks’ exposure to the housing market.

In 2018 and 2019 economic growth is expected to moderate somewhat but to remain robust, with private consumption and investment remaining the key drivers.