The turnover of Reunion VSEs and SMEs increased by 3,4% in the 1st quarter of 2023, after a year 2022 where its growth reached 5,5 %, according to the economic study of the Regional Council of the Order of Chartered Accountants, carried out in collaboration with the Sagis firm. Adjusted for inflation, progress was zero, while a decline of 2,7% was recorded at the national level. Small businesses in the industrial sector see their figure increase by 10,5 %, thanks to a favorable base effect (they had recorded a decline of 5,5% in the 1st quarter of 2022). In construction, turnovers are up on average by 10,9 %, probably linked to the increase in construction costs. On the other hand, they drop by 4,9% in transportation and warehousing. In services, the overall increase of 6,4% hides significant disparities. Significant progress is recorded in activities related to teaching, accommodation and catering, to arts and entertainment. The increases are more moderate in health and social action, la communication, real estate, scientific and technical activities. Business service activities, finance and insurance, on the other hand, saw their figures decline by 8%. “We can see the caution of Reunion companies in the 1st quarter”, accountants comment. Finally, in commerce, the overall trend is towards stagnation, with contrasting developments depending on the specialties.
