economy
May 8, 2026
Venezuelan merchants asked to reactivate bank credit to boost economic growth
The Maracaibo Chamber of Commerce requests the reactivation of bank credit in the face of challenges such as inflation and the tax burden.
TL;DR
- The Maracaibo Chamber of Commerce requested the reactivation of bank credit to support affiliate growth.
- 65% of affiliated merchants see access to bank credit as a major challenge.
- 95% of merchants identified inflation as a problem, with 71.8% accumulated inflation in Q1.
- 62% of respondents believe a reduction in the tax burden is necessary.
- 49% of merchants reported increased sales in Q1 2026, while 27% saw a decrease.
- 70% of merchants expect sales to increase in the next quarter.
- 96% of affiliated merchants reported a worsening of electrical service in Zulia over the past three months.
- The UNDP projects Venezuela's economy to grow 7.4% in 2026 with inflation at 271.6%.