SME receipts index rises to 45.3 in February

Business receipts improved in all surveyed sectors.

The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rose from 43.4 in January in the contractionary zone to 45.3 in February.

The one-month outlook DI on business receipts for March 2026 stood at 47.6, according to the Census and Statistics Department.

Business receipts improved in all surveyed sectors. The DI for retail trade grew from 38.4 to 41.4, whilst restaurants increased from 38.6 to 41.4.

In addition, import and export trades climbed from 45.7 to 47.4.

For the import and export sector, the current DI on new orders rose to 47.1 in February, up from 46.0 in the previous month. The outlook DI for new orders in March was 47.9.

A government spokesperson said both the current and outlook indices on business receipts had risen to near two-year highs. The current diffusion index on employment for SMEs also improved from the previous month.

The government will continue monitoring external developments, such as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and shifting trade and economic policies of major economies.