A few months after its introduction on the continent, engineering exporters are increasingly in favour of the Euro. According to DHL's Quarterly Export Indicator, over half (52 per cent) of engineering exporters believe the single currency will aid their business compared to 46 per cent in December 2001. The report also reveals that at the start of this year engineering companies were predicting more growth than at the end of last year.
Following a consistent quarter by quarter fall in 2001, the short term confidence rating among engineering exporters has risen 16 points since December's figures to +27. Long-term (over 12months) confidence is following this upward trend, albeit more cautiously, with an increase of two points to +45 in December 2001.
The rise in export confidence has heralded a desire to increase staff levels. The survey suggests the number of engineering exporters set to increase staff levels over the next year has risen to 27 per cent Ð a two per cent increase on the last quarter. Fifty six per cent will keep staff at current numbers, with 13 per cent predicting a decrease.