INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A survey of 296 Brazilian construction firms reveals a third straight month of pessimism in March 2025
Conducted between March 6 and 17, the poll shows the confidence index rising slightly from 49.3 to 49.6 points.Yet, staying below 50, it
signals ongoing doubts among small, medium, and large companies alike
Entrepreneurs see current business and economic conditions as worse than six months ago.They expect the economy to struggle for another
half-year, blaming high interest rates that choke demand and inflate costs
housing program spurred long-term investments
key driver of jobs and growth in Brazil
Activity levels edged up to 46.9 points in February from 43.7 in January, showing slight improvement.Construction Confidence Wanes in Brazil
(Photo Internet reproduction)Employment followed suit, climbing to 48.2 points from 45.6, though both figures linger below 50, indicating
dip to 52.7 points, down 0.6 from last month
Hiring plans also ease to 53.1 points, yet both stay above 50, hinting at modest growth hopes.Input purchases barely shift to 52.6 points,
while activity forecasts remain at 53.8 points.Investment intent ticks up to 42.8 points in March from 42, but it fails to recover a
earlier wins from the housing initiative
Firms adapt, but the economic climate tests their resilience
strains, balancing past boosts with present hurdles
Entrepreneurs brace for a tough road, their cautious optimism clashing with a darkening national forecast
The story behind these numbers underscores a pivotal moment for an industry at a crossroads.
