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Despite still high growth rates the sector is facing a challenging economic environment, with fiercer competition and oversupplies in some segments.

A deterioration of trade relations with China could negatively affect the ICT component supply side and confront US end-consumers with higher sales prices.

Despite increasing challenges a recovery of the exchange rate and a rather stable economic outlook for 2018 should help the ICT industry in the short-term.

While many Japanese ICT businesses are highly indebted, companies obtain finance easily as banks are very willing to lend and interest rates are low.

Despite continued sales growth, most German ICT businesses operate on very tight margins due to fierce competition and price erosion in most subsectors.

Payment experience over the past two years has been good in the ICT sector and the level of insolvencies is low, with no major change expected in 2018.

Despite overall growth, many French ICT companies face structurally low margins, price pressure and an on-going consolidation process in the market.

While Dutch ICT distributors are becoming larger, many smaller companies are changing their business model to have a more service-oriented approach.

Despite robust growth rates, pricing pressure and cheap imports are key challenges in the domestic ICT market, especially for smaller IT distributors.

Due to limited organic growth opportunities and the on-going economic uncertainty, market players strive to expand through acquisitions and specialisation.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

A potential downside risk to the economic performance could be the high household debt in case of sharp house price decreases and interest rate increases.

With the rebound of economic growth, business failures are expected to decrease year-on-year in 2018, but nevertheless to remain on an elevated level.

British business insolvencies are expected to rise again in 2018, mainly affecting businesses active in the construction, retail and hospitality sectors.

The global economic upswing continues to strengthen but US policy uncertainty and a potential trade war could quickly darken the bright skies.

While the return to more market friendly policies has improved Argentina´s medium- and long-term growth prospects, significant downside risks remain.

Despite a rebound, the economic environment remains challenging due to a fragile political landscape, high unemployment, and fiscal policy issues.

Since H2 of 2017 economic growth has recovered from low copper prices and lower demand from China, strikes in the mining sector and weaker domestic demand.

Since H2 of 2017 GDP growth has started to accelerate again, due to a more supportive external environment and the effects of monetary policy stimulus.

In a highly competitive and fragmented market retailers’ profit margins are expected to remain under pressure in 2018 after deteriorating in 2017.

Consumer durables are expected to continue their sales expansion in 2018, although at a lower pace than in 2017 as private consumption growth slows.

In 2018 sales are expected to be affected by slower household spending growth, triggered by a weaker housing market and subdued growth in household income.

The profit margins of Indian non-food retailers are expected to moderate in 2018 due to growing competition and the rising market share of e-commerce.

Despite good sales prospects, there remains substantial uncertainty related to VAT tax issues amongst retailers as tax controls have been intensified.

Indonesia's retail sector is one of the most promising in Asia, on the back of its large population and growing middle class with higher purchasing power.

The short-term outlook is benign with private consumption expected to increase by more than 6% in 2018, but higher inflation could have a dampening effect.

The number of brick-and-mortar stores has significantly decreased - despite the fact that high street also benefits from the current sales increase.

The best way for smaller retailers to survive is to join a large purchasing association and to compete with e-commerce by providing outstanding service.

The business environment is highly competitive among the different distribution networks, reinforced by the increasing market share of online retailers.

Many long-standing retail chains are highly indebted, often from leveraged buyouts led by private equity firms, while investors reconsider further lending.

As a result of more difficult trading conditions retailers profit margins have deteriorated in H2 of 2017, and further decline is expected in 2018.