The business climate indicator calculated by the Overseas Departments Issuing Institute increased by 3,7 points in the third quarter of 2020 in Reunion, approaching his long-run average. The upturn in economic activity has resulted in an improvement in the labor market :
3,600 jobs were created in the private sector over the quarter, compensating for the losses of the past months. otherwise, the organization of work in companies has gradually resumed its normal course. Household consumption remained dynamic. Bank card payments increased by 5% compared to the same period in 2019 and imports intended for households increased significantly. "Economic activity has recovered significantly, but the return to normal does not unfortunately concern all sectors ”, ccommented Gilles Lesellier director of the Iédom agency in Reunion Island.
The commerce and industry sectors, for example, saw their third quarter turnover increase by 4% on average compared to 2019., according to the professionals interviewed. Conversely, others, like construction and tourism, continue to bear the brunt of the epidemic. In the tourism sector, the drop in turnover is estimated at 45% on average over the quarter compared to last year. Despite the improvement observed, the concerns of business leaders about the health situation and its consequences on economic activity are palpable. Investment forecasts for 2021 also remain poorly oriented.
