Investment Survey 2025 - Portugal (European Investment Bank)

Summary

• In the last financial year, 84% of Portuguese firms invested, in line with EIBIS 2024 at 82% and close to the EU average of 86%.p.7
• A net balance of 16% of Portuguese firms expect to increase investment in 2025, significantly higher than the EU average of 4%.p.7
• Tangible assets accounted for 71% of Portuguese firms' investment, exceeding the EU average of 65%.p.7
• International trade involves 72% of Portuguese firms, with 29% diversifying or increasing their importing source countries.p.7
• In innovation, 39% of Portuguese firms invest in developing or introducing new products, processes, or services, ahead of the EU average of 32%.p.8
• Physical risks from climate change impact 82% of Portuguese firms, and 96% have taken practical action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.p.8
• Portugal leads in gender equality in senior leadership, with 41% of firms having female representation of at least 40% in senior management compared to 25% across the EU.p.8

Key insights

1. A net positive balance of 14% of Portuguese firms expect their sector's business prospects to improve over the next 12 months, compared to an EU average of 0%.p.7
2. Replacement was the primary purpose of investment for 60% of Portuguese firms in the last financial year.p.7
3. Availability of skilled staff and uncertainty about the future are cited as the main investment barriers, each reported by 88% of Portuguese firms.p.8
4. Among Portuguese firms using AI, 71% utilize generative AI tools primarily for internal processes, exceeding the EU average of 60%.p.8
5. The proportion of externally finance-constrained Portuguese firms stands at 7%, above the EU average of 6.1%.p.8
6. Portuguese exporters face regulatory fragmentation, with 73% stating their primary product or service must comply with differentiated rules across EU member states.p.8
7. 13% of Portuguese firms using external finance in the last financial year benefitted from grants or subsidies, compared to 7% in the EU.p.8