29% of companies are expecting for the increase of production and sales volumes, UBR reports.

The first quarter of 2016 was more difficult for Ukrainian enterprises in October-December 2015. Only 18.6% out of 4970 Ukrainian companies, surveyed by the State Statistics, informed about the increase of production and sales at the beginning of the year. The number of companies, where the production remained at the same level, increased to 43.8%, and those who faced the reduction of the amount of work – to 36.8%.

Nevertheless, the business expectations of companies slightly worsened: 29% of business expects for the growth of issue of products in the 2nd quarter 2016 (during the previous survey the share of “optimists” made up 13%). Only 21.8% of the firms expect for downfall, while as per results of the 4th quarter 2015 this opinion was shared by 37% of the questioned companies.

Meanwhile, the leaders of almost two thirds of domestic companies consider that in April-June the prices for their products will remain unchanged. Other 32.2% expect for the increase of prices.

Construction: almost half (46%) of the surveyed business leaders emphasized the decrease of the number of works performed, and 60% of builders said that the volume of orders is insufficient. Meanwhile, 32% of construction companies plan to increase prices for products.

Industry: The production volume increased only for a quarter of companies. While the amount of orders – only for 16%. Regarding the current volume of orders the opinions divided almost by a half: 53% consider it sufficient and other 46% - lower than the norm.

Meanwhile, a large number of manufacturers in the second quarter do not expect significant changes – in production as well as in prices for products.

Agriculture: 30% of agricultural companies as per results of the 1st quarter 2016 reported on the downfall of the production output, other 54% stated about the absence of any movements.

Only 26% of agricultural companies plan to raise prices for production and increase production.

Retail trade: 41% companies in January-March fixed the drop in sales, nevertheless, the traders optimistically assess the prospects of the 2nd quarter – 34% are expecting for the sales growth and other 38% expect that it will remain at the same level.

52% of trading companies plan to increase prices.