Commerce improves slightly and industry falls in March, according to Fedesarrollo's Business Opinion Survey
According to Fedesarrollo, industrial activity shows a retreat in March. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- The Commerce Confidence Index (ICCO) rose 0.2 percentage points (pps) to 22.8% in March 2026 compared to February.
- The Industrial Confidence Index (ICI) decreased by 3.2 pps to -2.3% in March 2026 compared to February.
- The monthly increase in ICCO was due to reduced inventories, partially offset by lower economic expectations.
- The monthly decrease in ICI was driven by lower production expectations and increased inventories, offset by higher order volumes.
- The balance of employment expectations in industry was -9.4% in March 2026, indicating a negative outlook.
- Perception of contraband in industry stood at 4.2% in March 2026, a decrease from the previous quarter but an increase from the previous year.