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In May 2026, the overall Business Barometer index showed a slight increase to -11.7⇧+0.4, while remaining in the zone of negative expectations.
Negative sentiment prevails across all four sectors, with mixed dynamics. Manufacturing (-12.9⇧+0.2) and trade (-12.6⇧+3.3) remain the most problematic sectors, although negative expectations are gradually softening. A somewhat better situation is observed in services (-10.1⇩-1.1) and construction (-5.0⇩-1.0), despite a strengthening of pessimistic expectations.
Regardless of business size, negative expectations dominate across all categories. They are weakening among micro (-10.8⇧+2.7) and medium-sized (-10.7⇧+1.2) enterprises, while becoming stronger among small (-14.5⇩-2.6) and large (-8.7⇩-0.4) enterprises.
Exporters’ expectations are more optimistic than those of businesses overall (-10.7⇧+2.5).
The survey results on business participation in public procurement and reconstruction projects financed by international partners show that only 15% of businesses already participate, while another 21% plan to join. Most respondents either are interested but do not know how to start (24%) or are considering this opportunity but see many barriers (28%). This indicates significant potential for further business engagement; however, unlocking this potential requires practical guidance on procedures, participant requirements, and the preparation of tender proposals.
Monthly, in addition to the regular survey, respondents can answer the “hot” question of the month and contact the hot line of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The survey is conducted in verified chatbots on Telegram and Viber and takes only 2 minutes.
Access to the May 2026 report is here.
About the “Business Barometer”
The Business Barometer from the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) reflects the views of enterprises and entrepreneurs who are members and partners of the UCCI. It shows expectations regarding changes in the business environment for the upcoming month compared to the previous one.
It is based on a survey that takes into account the status of indicators (“sub-indices”) of respondents’ activities in four sectors (manufacturing, construction, trade, services). The Business Barometer is adapted to the needs of members and partners of the UCCI. A unique feature of the
Business Barometer is the inclusion of specialized sectoral questions and an analysis of the state of exports, providing an additional perspective on market conditions.
The main goal of the Index is to provide enterprises and entrepreneurs who are members and partners of the UCCI with a simple and accessible tool for assessing changes in the business environment in Ukraine.
The Business Barometer value of 0 points indicates no change in expectations. A value above 0 suggests that businesses anticipate an improvement in economic trends compared to the previous month. A value below 0 reflects negative expectations regarding changes relative to the prior month.
This publication was created by the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry within the framework of the project "Transformational Recovery for People's Security in Ukraine," funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine.
The opinions, statements, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this document belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UNDP, the United Nations, the Government of Japan, and/or other international partners.
