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Economy

Economy

Portugal's economy explained: GDP data, market trends, business developments, inflation, real estate, and economic policy. Analysis of how economic trends affect daily life and expat finances.

Easter Spending in Portugal Jumps 16 Percent as MB WAY Payments Surge and Tourists Flock to Restaurants

Consumer spending across Portugal during the Easter holiday period rose sharply compared with a year earlier, driven by strong gains in digital payments, tourist activity and a noticeable shift in spending away from Lisbon toward regional districts,...

59,000 Pre-Approved Homes Never Got Built — APPII Says Regulation and Costs Are Choking Portugal's Housing Supply

Some 59,000 pre-approved housing units in Portugal were never built over the past three years because rising costs, 23% VAT, and unpredictable regulation made them financially unviable, says the APPII. The industry body estimates 50,000 more could be unlocked with a permanent VAT cut.

Government Revives Commercial Paper to Slash Red Tape — Companies Can Now Bypass Banks for Short-Term Funding

Portugal's Council of Ministers has approved a sweeping reform of commercial paper rules, eliminating the need for bank intermediaries, CMVM pre-approval, and formal prospectuses — opening a direct path for companies to raise short-term funding on the capital market.