NSI: Business climate improving, inflation slowing down in Bulgaria

The overall business climate index in Bulgaria increased by 0.7 points in July compared to the previous month, reaching 16.8%. According to data from the National Statistical Institute, the index rose in the manufacturing and construction sectors, whilst a decline was observed in the services sector.

Labour shortages and the uncertain economic environment continue to pose significant challenges for businesses in the country. The majority of entrepreneurs expect selling prices to remain unchanged over the next three months.

The composite 'business climate in industry' indicator was up 1.1 points at 17.2 per cent. In the construction sector, the business climate improved by 4.5 points to reach 15.6%. In the trade sector, meanwhile, the indicator remained almost unchanged from its June level, falling from 27.3 per cent to 27.2 per cent. In the services sector, entrepreneurs reported a deterioration in the business climate of 2.8 points to 7 per cent.

According to the National Statistical Institute’s flash estimate, annual inflation in Bulgaria slowed to 4.4 per cent in July. This represents a 1 percentage point decrease compared with June.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov