Portugal Economic Snapshot
Economic Survey of Portugal - 15 June 2023
The Portuguese economy has rebounded strongly from the COVID-19 crisis. Though high inflation and weak global economic conditions have slowed growth in 2022, renewed fiscal support helped to cushion the impact. Public debt relative to GDP has declined below its 2019 level, but rapid population ageing and strong investment needs are increasing fiscal pressures. Potential growth and productivity gains have declined and skill shortages have emerged. Implementing the ambitious Recovery and Resilience Plan and ensuring fiscal sustainability through more efficient spending and a strengthened fiscal framework are key to a sustained recovery.
Executive Summary
Presentation
Economic Forecast Summary (June 2023)
Economic Outlook Note - Portugal
Real GDP growth is projected to reach 2.5% in 2023 and 1.5% in 2024. The Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) should significantly boost public investment, though there are risks that implementation delays continue. Strengthening external demand will support exports, particularly of services. The employment rate will remain historically high and wages will accelerate.
©welcomeinside/Shutterstock.com
Read full country noteReform Priorities (April 2021)
Going for Growth 2021 - Portugal
The pandemic highlighted gaps in the social safety net and risks aggravating the situation for disadvantaged students and vulnerable workers. Increasing the coverage of out-of-work benefits should become the top policy priority. Strengthening efforts to provide individualised support to students at risk remains crucial, as does upskilling of large parts of the workforce, especially with digital skills.
©Shutterstock/Anton Petrus
Read full country note2021 Structural Reform Priorities
- Labour market: Reinforce social protection for non-standard employment to reduce precariousness and poverty
- Education and skills: Raise skills to strengthen productivity, foster the creation of higher quality jobs, and improve equity and well-being
- Competition and regulation: Strengthen competition in non-manufacturing sectors to bolster export competitiveness and productivity
- Insolvency: Reduce high corporate leverage to raise investment and promote job creation
- Tax system: Reduce exemptions and special rates to enhance efficiency of the tax system and strengthen public finance sustainability