Ukrainian businesses regained their optimism in March
This was reported by the press service of the National Bank of Ukraine, citing the Business Activity Expectations Index (BAEI).
In March 2026, the BAI stood at 52.7, compared with 45.9 in February 2026 (in March 2025 – 51.8).
For the first time since May 2025, assessments by enterprises in all surveyed sectors were optimistic, with the construction sector showing the greatest optimism.
According to the NBU, this was driven by:
- the gradual normalisation of the situation in the energy sector;
- a revival in consumer demand;
- the receipt of international financial assistance;
- the stabilisation of the foreign exchange market;
- seasonal factors.
At the same time, the following factors remained a drag:
- intensified shelling of critical infrastructure;
- heightened inflationary expectations;
- a shortage of skilled labour.
The press service noted that enterprises across all sectors forecast an acceleration in the rate of growth of prices/tariffs for their own products/services against the backdrop of further expected growth in purchase prices, as well as prices for raw materials and supplies. Only construction firms expected a slowdown in the rate of growth of purchase prices.
The situation in the labour market remains unstable. As in the previous month, only representatives of the construction sector were planning to increase their total workforce. In contrast, respondents from other sectors expected staff reductions, most notably in industry.
