The Evolution of Investment in the Industrial Sector: A Cause for Concern
The trend of investment in the industrial sector is quite controversial. While some activities are regaining the desire to invest and adapt to new market requirements, others are still struggling to regain their usual pace. This imbalance not only affects our industry but also the national economy as a whole, which is still seeking a global and consistent dynamic.
However, this diagnosis is not alarming, as the industrial sector is well-equipped to reverse the trend. The semi-annual survey of the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on industrial investment reveals an encouraging rebound, particularly in the mechanical and electrical industries, chemical activity, and construction materials. These statistics are reassuring about the health of these activities, which, after a worrying slowdown, are finally regaining the desire to invest and relaunch.
Nevertheless, according to the same survey, the satisfaction with the evolution of industrial investments is not total, as some activities that were often in the spotlight are currently experiencing an unusual decline or worrying stagnation. This is the case for the agri-food sector, among others. This imbalance in investment between sectors is not reassuring, especially since its impact on the overall volume is generally significant. The Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII) notes in its latest report that the overall volume of investment in the industrial sector declined by 9.1% in the first half of 2025. This is a somewhat severe average for an economy that aims to quickly regain global and sustainable growth.
The survey indicates that it is necessary to quickly review this contrasting evolution of investment and provide adequate responses. Without investment dynamics, these activities would be unable to maintain their stability for long. This is all the more true since most of the investments made by these sectors are essentially oriented towards maintenance projects, rather than creation or extension projects.
To maintain their activity and respond to competition, particularly on the international market, these industries need to invest regularly, especially in innovation, technology, energy control, and digitalization. The question of financial support is crucial in this regard.
A Need for New Approaches
It is therefore necessary to foresee new approaches to modify this unbalanced picture. This undoubtedly involves revising certain provisions, such as financial support, tax charges, and energy costs, as recommended by the industrialists themselves. These factors need to be seriously rethought, as the good distribution of industrial investment has a direct and significant impact on the fundamentals of the national economy. It has the capacity to stimulate technological development and support the pace of qualified job creation. Not to mention its ability to serve innovation and productivity, two essential elements for the good positioning of our products on the international market.
Recent reports speak of significant pressure on the trade balance due to the significant evolution of imports against the stagnation and even decline of exports, particularly in terms of value. This situation, although not really alarming, risks creating additional economic pressures, which could impact the optimistic projections of economic growth for 2025.
In fact, according to the same reports, "a significant trade deficit could lead to a weakening of the local industry and a strong disruption of supply." There is also talk of "the possibility of dependence on foreign goods," which does not serve our productive sovereignty. Our economy, which has been engaged in a significant economic recovery program for some time, already on the right track, does not need such scenarios. It needs more certainty and security instead.
