In May 2026

Confidence indicator in Manufacturing, Trade, and Services increased, while in Construction and Public Works, there was a decrease

According to information gathered by the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira (DREM) through the Qualitative Business Surveys (QBS), in May 2026, the confidence indicator in the Manufacturing, Trade, and Services sectors increased compared to the previous month, while in Construction and Public Works, there was a decrease.

The Manufacturing confidence indicator increased in April and May, after declining in March. The indicator's performance was driven by the positive contribution of opinions on the evolution of overall demand, while production expectations and assessments relating to product stocks contributed negatively. The balance of expectations regarding selling prices increased in May, after having declined over the previous four months.

In Construction and Public Works, the confidence indicator declined in April and May, after having increased in March. The movement in the most recent month reflected the negative contribution of both components: assessments of order books and employment expectations. The balance of expectations regarding prices charged by enterprises over the next three months declined in May, after having increased in March and April.

The Trade confidence indicator increased in May, after declining between February and April. The indicator's performance in May resulted from the positive contribution of all components: assessments of business activity expectations, sales volume, and volume of stocks. The balances of future price expectations declined in May, after having increased in the two preceding months.

In Services, the indicator increased over the last five months, after declining consecutively throughout the second half of 2025. The indicator's performance resulted from the positive contribution of all components: opinions on the past evolution of order books, expectations regarding future demand, and assessments of business activity. The balance of expectations regarding future demand increased over the last six months, after having declined in November.

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