The total business climate indicator increases in all observed sectors - industry, construction, retail trade and services

A regular monthly poll by the National Statistical Institute (NSI), the results of which were released on May 29, has found that business sentiment in Bulgaria improved this month.

Previous polls in 2026 by the NSI found a sharp improvement in business sentiment in January, but declines in February, March and April.

In May 2026, the total business climate indicator increased by 5.1 percentage points compared with April, with the indicators rising in all sectors surveyed – industry, construction, retail trade and services.

In the industry sector, the indicator was up by six percentage points, with managers optimistic about the business situation.

In the construction sector, the indicator rose by 4.6 percentage points, with managers expectations about the business situation over the next six months having improved.

The retail trade indicator was up by 1.1 percentage points, though managers’ expectations about both the volume of sales and the orders placed with suppliers over the next three months were more reserved.

In the service sector, the indicator was up by 7.8 percentage points, with managers optimistic about the business situation, while their opinions about both the current and expected demand for services were more positive.