Public works sector in France faces significant decline in activity

Public works companies across France are reporting a sharp downturn in activity and rising economic pressures. In the Cantal region, local businesses have seen a 23% drop in calls for tenders during the first eight months of 2026. Industry representatives, including the Fédération Régionale des Travaux Publics (FRTP) Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, warn that this decline in public investment threatens essential services, infrastructure maintenance, and climate change adaptation.

Similarly, in the Île-de-France region, the sector is facing a crisis characterized by emptying order books and increasing costs for raw materials and fuel. José Ramos, president of the FRTP Île-de-France, noted that activity declined by 5.1% in 2026 compared to the previous year, resulting in a loss of approximately 5,800 jobs. Beyond the reduction in orders, companies are also struggling with significant payment delays, which threaten the long-term viability of the profession.