The main concern among Gipuzkoa businesses has significantly changed compared to the survey conducted in February. The supply and price of raw materials and energy, which previously ranked seventh, has now become the top priority for the territory's economic fabric. According to the Economic Outlook Survey conducted by the employers' association Adegi, nearly half of the companies surveyed, specifically 52.5%, fear facing material supply issues and higher prices.
This percentage has risen by 35% compared to the February report and stands at its highest level since January 2023. The construction sector shows the greatest concern. In second place are labor costs and salary increases, which led the list in the previous edition with 48.6% of affirmative responses. This time, the percentage has dropped to 40%, marking its lowest level since September 2023, with construction again being the activity that reflects the most unease.
The weakness of the international economy, which was in fifth position in the previous survey, now moves to third, mentioned by 33% of respondents, with a particular impact on industry. Geopolitical and trade tensions occupy the fourth position, and absenteeism emerges in fifth. Regarding this issue, the general director of Adegi, José Miguel Ayerza, stated that reducing high rates "is not just a business issue," but a challenge shared by all of society.
“"It is a problem that has become structurally installed and has moved from being a business issue to a social one."
After warning that it affects business competitiveness, he advocated for addressing this problem from a "multisectoral" perspective and with "a delicate touch." Tomorrow, Adegi will celebrate its traditional Business Day, which has become an important date in the calendars of the territory's entrepreneurs. The event will be opened by a conference from the general director of the Gipuzkoan employers' association, José Miguel Ayerza, along with the deputy general director, Paul Liceaga, titled "Taking Consciousness." Subsequently, a round table will take place with participants including Jesús Alberdi (former general director of Elkargi), Fermín del Río (vice president of CIE Automotive), Nerea Aranguren (vice president of Grupo Mondragon), Xiang Ma (deputy general director of FIHI Forging Industry), and Lander Guibelalde (general director of Grupo Hine).
Subsequently, Adegi will recognize several companies from Gipuzkoa in various categories, after which the president, Isabel Busto, will close the event.
