TIRANA, April 1 /ATA/ – Business confidence in Albania rose in March, according to the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) published by the Bank of Albania on Wednesday.

The overall index increased by 0.6 points, largely driven by stronger confidence in the trade sector, and remains around eight points above its historical average.

Confidence in industry fell, with the Industrial Confidence Indicator dropping 2.4 points after five months of increase, reflecting weaker business assessments of industrial production and made to order export contracts, while expectations for future prices rose sharply. Despite this, the indicator remains about seven points above its long-term average.

Construction confidence declined by four points, influenced by assessments of building activity and current orders, though its level is still roughly six points above the historical average. Service sector confidence edged down 0.5 points but it stands 11 points above average.

Trade confidence surged 7.6 points, about 17 points above the historical average, driven by optimistic business expectations for sales and employment. Consumer confidence fell 2.1 points, dipping slightly below the historical average, amid concerns over personal finances and the broader economic outlook.

Overall, the Bank of Albania said the data indicate a generally stable economic climate, with positive expectations in several key sectors despite declines in some areas.

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