In May 2025, the total business climate indicator decreases by 1.7 percentage point in comparison with April (from 21.5% to 19.8%), as a result of the more unfavorable business climate in the industry and retail trade.
Industry. The composite indicator ‘business climate in industry’ has decreased by 1.1 percentage points (from 19.3% to 18.2%) (Figure 2), which is due to the reserved industrial entrepreneurs’ assessments about the present business situation of the enterprises. However, certain optimism in their forecasts about the business situation (Figure 3) and the production activity over the next months is observed.
The most serious difficulties for the enterprises in the sector remain the uncertain economic environment and shortage of labour, pointed out respectively by 45.9% and 36.7% of them.
The managers’ forecasts concerning the selling prices in the industry over the next 3 months are in a direction of an increase.
Construction. In May, the composite indicator ‘business climate in construction’ increases by 1.6 percentage points (from 21.7% to 23.3%) as a result of the improved construction entrepreneurs’ assessments about the present business situation of the enterprises. The inquiry registers an increase of the present production assurance with orders, which is accompanied by increased expectations about the construction activity over the next 3 months (Figure 7). However, in the last month, an increase in the number of clients with delay in payments is reported.
The uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour and the costs of materials continue to limit with the most extend the business development, although compared to the previous month, a decrease in their negative influence is registered.
Regarding the selling prices in the construction, the managers’ expectations are them to preserve their level over the next 3 months.
Retail trade. The composite indicator ‘business climate in retail trade’ drops by 9.7 percentage points (from 36.5% to 26.8%), which is due to the more reserved retailers’ assessments and expectations about the business situation of the enterprises. However, their forecasts about both the volume of sales (Figure 11) and orders placed with suppliers over the next 3 months are more favourable.
The main problems for the activity of the enterprises remain the competition in the branch, the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour and insufficient demand, as in the last month strengthening of the negative impact of the first and third factor is reported.
The retailers do not foresee a change in the selling prices over the next 3 months.
Service sector. In May, the composite indicator ‘business climate in service sector’ increases by 1.7 percentage points (from 10.7% to 12.4%) as a result of the positive managers’ expectations about the business situation of the enterprises over the next 6 months. Their opinions about the present and expected demand for services are also favorable.
The main obstacle for the business development continues to be the uncertain economic environment, pointed out by 53.6% of the enterprises. In second and third place are the competition in the branch and the shortage of labour.
Regarding the selling prices in the service sector, the managers expect a slight increase, although the prevailing part of them foresee them to preserve their level over the next 3 months.
