Business remains optimistic - the business activity index exceeds 50 for the second consecutive month
Kyiv • UNN
At the same time, due to the projected increase in the cost of raw materials and procurement prices, most enterprises expect a further rise in the cost of their goods and services. In the trade sector, a slowdown in the rate of price increases is expected.
Ukrainian business maintains positive assessments of its activities and has even improved them in annual terms. This was reported by the National Bank of Ukraine, according to UNN.
Details
According to the regulator, in April 2026, the business activity expectations index stood at 51.7 points, compared to 52.7 in March. At the same time, a year ago, this figure was lower at 49.4, indicating a gradual recovery in economic sentiment.
The NBU explains that several factors contributed to the positive dynamics:
- stable international
financial support;
- revival of
consumer demand;
- budgetary
funding for infrastructure restoration;
- seasonal factors.
At the same time, businesses continue to face a number of constraining factors:
- rising fuel prices;
- increased enterprise costs;
- destruction of production and logistics capacities;
- high inflationary and exchange rate expectations;
- shortage of qualified personnel.
For the second consecutive month, enterprises in all sectors have positively assessed their current activities. The most optimistic sentiments are recorded in the construction sector.
Respondents also expect growth in production volumes, new orders, and turnover, as well as an increase in the procurement of raw materials and supplies.
Meanwhile, due to the projected rise in the cost of raw materials and procurement prices, most enterprises expect a further increase in the cost of their goods and services. Only in the trade sector is a slowdown in the rate of price increases expected.
The situation in the labor market has stabilized somewhat: growth in the number of employees is expected in construction and trade, while assessments in industry and the service sector remain cautious.