Slovenia Business Mood Weakens in August

Slovenia's seasonally adjusted manufacturing confidence indicator rose to -2 in September 2026 from -4 in August, matching July's reading, which was the least pessimistic since August 2022, but remaining slightly below its long-term average of -1.9. Production expectations strengthened to 12 from 6 in August, while selling price expectations rose to 8 from 6. On the other hand, the uncertainty gauge increased to 32 from 27. Meanwhile, stocks of finished products and production both held steady at 5. The deterioration in export order books eased to -14 from -16, while overall order books improved to -12 from -14. Moreover, expected employment was unchanged at 9, while the labour hoarding indicator fell to 5 from 7. Outside manufacturing, confidence weakened in retail trade and services, while remaining unchanged in construction.

Slovenia’s seasonally adjusted manufacturing confidence indicator fell to -4 in August 2026, below its long-term average, from -2 in the previous month. Product expectations eased to 6 from 13 in July, selling price expectations declined to 6 from 8, while uncertainty also moderated to 27 from 30. Meanwhile, stocks of finished products rose to 5 from 3, while production held steady at 5. The deterioration in export order books eased to -16 from -18, while overall order books improved to -13 from -15. Moreover, expected employment increased to 9 from 8, while the labour hoarding indicator rose to 7 from 5. Outside manufacturing, confidence improved in retail trade and services, while remaining unchanged in construction, with all sectors staying above their long-term averages.

Slovenia's seasonally adjusted manufacturing confidence indicator improved to -2 in July 2026 from -4 in June, marking its least pessimistic reading since August 2022. The improvement was broad-based, while uncertainty eased to its lowest level since October 2025 (30 vs. 33). Production expectations strengthened (13 vs. 7), while the assessment of current production edged up to 5 from 4. Finished goods inventories also increased slightly (3 vs. 2). Order books improved overall (-16 vs. -17) and for exports (-18 vs. -20), while selling price expectations moderated (8 vs. 13). Employment expectations edged up to 8 from 7, although accumulation of labor eased (5 vs. 8). Outside manufacturing, confidence improved in retail trade, was unchanged in construction, and weakened in services, with sentiment in all three sectors remaining above their long-term averages.