Out of the total number of companies that participated in a business survey in the fourth quarter of 2024, 60.5% faced limitations in economic activity, the main cause being the insufficient market demand. This problem was reported by 31.7% of the respondents. Also, the activity of enterprises was negatively influenced by financial problems and the lack of qualified labor. Managers estimate a moderate decline in economic activity and sales revenue in the first quarter of 2025. A relative stability of the number of employees and a moderate increase in product prices are also forecast, IPN reports, with reference to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the managers surveyed by the NBS, in the construction sector, in the first quarter of this year, it is projected a moderate decrease in the economic situation (cyclical balance -15%), in sales revenue (-10%) and in the number of employees (-8%). Likewise, managers expect a moderate increase in the prices of construction works (+7%).

In the retail trade and service sector, a moderate decrease in the economic situation (cyclical balance -10%) and sales revenue (-12%) is estimated. The number of employees is expected to be relatively stable (-5%) and a moderate increase in selling prices (+14%) is forecast.

Managers of enterprises with 250 or more employees estimate relative stability in economic activity (cyclical balance -1%) and the number of employees (0%). Managers of large enterprises anticipate a moderate decrease in sales revenue (-10%) and a moderate increase in sales prices (+12%).

Also, managers of enterprises with 50 to 249 employees estimate relative stability in economic activity (cyclical balance -2%) and the number of employees (-3%). Managers of medium-sized enterprises anticipate a moderate decrease in sales revenue (-7%) and an increase in selling prices (+17%).

Managers of small enterprises forecast a moderate decrease in economic activity (cyclical balance -8%) and sales revenue (-12%) estimate. Managers of enterprises with 10 to 49 employees estimate relative stability of the number of employees (-2%) and a moderate increase in selling prices (+14%).

Managers of micro enterprises expect a moderate decrease in economic activity (cycling balance -12%) and sales revenue (-13%), but also relative stability in the number of employees (-5%). Managers of enterprises with up to and 9 employees inclusive estimate a moderate increase in selling prices (+14%).

The results were obtained by surveying entities operating in the manufacturing, construction, retail and service sector, which reflect the estimates made by enterprise managers regarding the trends in economic activity in the short term.