Slovakia Merchandise Imports (ann. var. %)

Merchandise Imports in Slovakia

Growth slowed in Q1, according to preliminary data. In a press release, the Slovak Statistical Office highlighted that stronger net trade and investment were the key growth drivers over the quarter. The full breakdown is due on 6 June. Turning to Q2, our panelists expect growth to remain roughly stable. In April, hiring intentions moderated compared to the Q1 average. That said, in the same month, consumers became less pessimistic compared to Q1, while easing supply chain pressures helped businesses turn optimistic. In politics, in May President Zuzana Caputova appointed Central Bank deputy chief Ludovit Odor to lead a technocratic government. The government is likely to face strong opposition within the fragmented Parliament. In the same month, S&P revised Slovakia’s outlook from negative to stable, citing reduced exposure to Russian energy imports.