The Central Bank of Chile published its August Business Perceptions Report, indicating that surveyed firms see less momentum in performance than in the first months of the year. This moderation was expected in some sectors such as retail and tourism after an “especially good” summer, while construction continues to lag other sectors, with private housing cited as the weakest segment. Mining continues to support investment and activity in other sectors in the north of the country. Firms reported little change in credit conditions and staffing versus the previous report: financial conditions have been broadly stable recently and less restrictive than last year, but credit demand has not yet strengthened; headcount remains lower following multi-year staffing adjustments, which firms link to technology adoption and process optimisation as well as higher labour costs and regulatory changes. Labour availability has generally improved, although tightness persists for some specific, particularly technical, profiles.
Central Bank of Chile 2025-08-07
Central Bank of Chile publishes August Business Perceptions Report showing moderating activity and subdued credit demand
The Central Bank of Chile's August Business Perceptions Report highlights a slowdown in business performance, particularly in retail and tourism, with construction lagging and private housing as the weakest segment. Mining remains a key investment driver in the north, while credit conditions and staffing levels show little change, with stable financial conditions but weak credit demand. Labour availability has improved, though technical roles remain tight.