B2B payment practices trends in Austria 2025

What challenges are businesses in Austria facing in managing liquidity and B2B payments?

Companies struggle with liquidity pressure amid B2B trade challenges

Payment delays from business-to-business (B2B) customers remain a clear challenge for companies in Austria. 44% of B2B invoices are overdue across the various industries, while 6% turned into unrecoverable bad debts in recent months. This highlights concern about potential cash flow disruptions, particularly amid ongoing economic uncertainties. Customers pay invoices late due to financial constraints caused by downstream payment delays in supply chains.

To bridge liquidity gaps Austrian businesses most often look to bank loans and internal funding. Both methods, while effective in providing short-term relief, highlight the challenges businesses face in managing cash flow and sustaining operations without compromising their long-term financial health. Payment risks are managed chiefly through a combination of internal provisions and outsourced credit management services.

What are the concerns for Dutch businesses in the coming months?

Insolvency risk worry prompts move towards strategic payment risk management

A widespread mood of uncertainty about the economic and trading environment is reflected in a circumspect view among Austian companies about future insolvency risks. 43% of businesses tell us they expect higher insolvency risk in the year ahead, while 49% anticipate no significant change. There is also caution about the prospects for Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), with most companies expecting payment collection timings to remain consistent, reflecting a kind of “wait and see” mindset. This implies that freeing up liquidity through quicker collections will remain a challenge in the coming months. 

Industry insights

Machinery industry

40% of B2B sales are conducted on credit by machinery companies, and while most have kept credit offerings stable some firms have extended payment terms. This reflects a cautious attempt to support customer relationships while managing liquidity risks. Currently, 20% of B2B invoices are overdue, and bad debts account for 4% of invoices. Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) remains consistent for most companies, though more report worsening trends than improvements. Inventory days are largely stagnant or slow-moving, tying up working capital. Those who changed payment behaviour mostly delay payments to suppliers to preserve liquidity.

Key industry figures and charts are provided in the report available for download below on this page.

Steel and metals industry

Amid a largely unpredictable economic environment, steel and metals companies are keeping a steady approach to B2B credit practices, with 43% of B2B sales currently made on credit. Although 38% of B2B invoices are overdue, most payments are still made on time. 5% of invoices have turned into bad debts. Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) has remained steady for most companies, while inventory turnover has shown little change, pointing to limited improvements in liquidity through receivables or stock movement. Most firms continuing to pay suppliers at the same pace to avoid supplier relationships disruption.

Key industry figures and charts are provided in the report available for download below on this page.

Transport industry

Transport companies face heightened payment risk and liquidity pressures, which is reflected in recent working capital and credit practices. 44% of B2B sales are made on credit, a share that has remained largely stable, although many firms report adopting more lenient credit policies and longer payment terms. However, this flexibility has come at a cost. Overdue invoices now account for 53% of B2B transactions, while 10% have turned into bad debts. The situation is compounded by stagnant or slow-moving inventory, locking up further capital in stock. 

Key industry figures and charts are provided in the report available for download below on this page.

Interested in finding out more?

For a complete overview of the 2025 survey results for Austria, download the full report available in the related documents section below.

To explore more on how these insights can strengthen your own credit risk strategy, speak with us at Atradius to see how we can help you stay ahead.