Saturday, 1 November 2025
Business sentiment in Slovakia declined in October, as industrial producers reported falling orders and weaker expectations for the months ahead. According to new data from the national statistics office, confidence among manufacturers dropped noticeably, offsetting modest gains in construction and steady conditions in retail.
The survey shows that industrial companies faced a slowdown in both domestic and export demand, particularly in machinery, chemicals, and automotive production. Many firms cited a lack of new contracts and a shortage of qualified labour as the biggest challenges. Several also noted that tighter financing conditions and cost pressures were limiting their ability to expand.
In contrast, the construction sector showed some resilience. Builders reported slightly stronger activity and better hiring prospects, though many continue to struggle with financial constraints and delays in public-sector investment. Retail and trade activity remained broadly stable, with companies maintaining cautious optimism heading into the winter season.
The service sector, which includes finance, transport, and professional activities, became more cautious, reflecting lower demand in certain segments and growing concern about the general economic outlook.
On the consumer side, sentiment remained subdued. Slovak households are still worried about rising living costs and job security, although attitudes toward savings have improved somewhat since the summer.
Overall, the October figures suggest that Slovakia’s economy is losing momentum, with weaker output expectations and lingering uncertainty over future tax and spending policies. While construction and retail continue to hold steady, the slowdown in industry — traditionally the country’s growth engine — points to a more challenging final quarter of the year.
