Business climate in Bulgaria worsens in October

In October 2024, the total business climate indicator decreased by 5.6 percentage points compared to September, dropping from 22.5% to 16.9%. The index declined in all monitored sectors, the National Statistical Institute announced. In industry, the indicator decreased with 5 percentage points, from 18.3% to 13.3%, due to more negative assessments and expectations from entrepreneurs regarding a reduction in orders, exports and production activity over the next three months.

In construction, the indicator decreased by 2.2 percentage points from 23.4% to 21.2%. The sector also anticipates a contraction in orders.

In retail trade, the indicator decreased by 11.6 percentage points, from 35.2% to 23.6%.

In the services sector, it decreased by 3.8 points, from 17.2% to 13.4%.

Common problems in all sectors are the uncertain economic environment, staff shortages and rising prices of consumables and raw materials.