The factor most hampering to Bulgarian business activity remains the uncertain economic environment, followed by competition.
In February 2025, the overall business climate indicator increased by 2.3 points from the previous month, from 18.6% to 20.9%. The indicator improved in industry, construction and retail trade, while the services sector registered a decline.
The NSI's analysis of the economic situation based on this month's business survey.
In the industrial sector, the business climate increased by 1.0 point, from 17.4% to 18.4%, as a result of positive assessments of industrial entrepreneurs about the current business situation of enterprises. In their view, current manufacturing activity is improving, while their forecasts for the next three months are more negative.
The most serious difficulties for business development continue to be related to the uncertain economic environment and labour shortages, with a decrease in the negative impact of the first factor over the last month.
With regard to selling prices in industry, the majority of managers expect them to remain at the same level over the next three months.
In the Construction sector there was also a 3.7-point rise in the business climate, from 19.6% to 23.3%. This is due to the improved assessments and expectations of construction contractors about the business situation of enterprises. The survey recorded an increase in new orders received over the last month, and the outlook for activity over the next three months remains optimistic.
The uncertain economic environment, labour shortages, material prices and competition in the industry remain the main constraints to business activity, with their negative impact increasing over the last month. |  BGNES