Portuguese company to produce ballistic protection
The first tranche of Defence loans from the European Commission is expected to arrive in Portugal in March. The European Council still needs to give the green light, but overall the country could access €5.8 billion.
Free trade agreement boosts exports of wine and olive oil
A new free trade agreement with South American partners is set to boost Portuguese exports of wine and olive oil by reducing tariffs and opening distribution channels. The deal also creates new market access for Portuguese cheese, presenting export opportunities for dairy producers. However, the agreement could put pressure on domestic beef, pork and poultry sectors, which may face increased competition and potential job and price impacts. Policymakers and industry groups will need targeted measures to support vulnerable meat producers while maximising gains for high-value agri-food exporters.
CIP sees advantages for Portugal in agreement with Mercosur, especially because of the Brazilian market
The Portuguese Business Confederation (CIP) says the deal with Mercosur will bring benefits for Portugal, in particular through access to and opportunities in the Brazilian market.
Mercosur remains largely unexplored and Portuguese industry sees 'an extraordinary opportunity'
Portuguese exports to the four Mercosur countries amount to just 1.3% of the country’s total, with Brazil alone representing 95% of that small share. With a market of nearly 300 million people, Portuguese business leaders view the bloc as largely unexplored terrain offering significant scope for export diversification, new investments and deeper trade ties — particularly beyond Brazil — but realising this opportunity will require targeted commercial strategies and stronger economic engagement across Mercosur members.
EU–Mercosur: now, 25 years on...
The AEP will continue to strengthen its commitment to supporting companies' internationalisation through initiatives such as BOW – Business On the Way, a programme backed by European funds.
Automotive production rose by 2.7% last year
Automotive production in Portugal recorded a 2.7% increase last year compared with 2024, totalling 341,361 vehicles, according to data released this Friday by the Automobile Association of Portugal (ACAP).
Banco de Fomento's support for industry and defence to be decided by the end of the month
Banco de Fomento already has nearly 95% of applications approved in the defence and reindustrialisation areas under the new Financial Instrument for Innovation and Competitiveness (IFIC). The approvals are expected to be announced at the end of the month, the bank’s CEO said on Friday. “We are now formalising these approvals, namely the indicators ...”
Moedas, Menezes and Isaltino: Saudi delegation meets business leaders and local officials
The Saudi Arabia–Portugal Business Council will meet throughout the week, from 19 to 25 January, with Portuguese business associations and municipal officials, splitting the agenda between Porto and Lisbon to identify business opportunities. The delegation will also visit Portuguese market-leading companies such as Mota-Engil, Tecnimede and the Grupo ...
Catarina Martins wants a skilled, higher-value economy for the country
On the final day of the campaign, Catarina Martins visited the EMEF workshops in Guifões, saying she believes the role of the Head of State also includes having “a plan for the country's economy”.
Yazaki dismisses 163 workers at Ovar factory to 'ensure the viability of operations in Portugal'
Yazaki Saltano dismissed 163 people at the Ovar factory with immediate effect. The affected workers did not report for work this Friday. The automotive components plant says the job cuts aim to 'ensure the viability of operations in Portugal', given a demanding context the industry is facing...
Car production grew 2.7% in 2025 but fell sharply in December
Automotive output rose 2.7% over 2025 overall, yet the sector suffered a significant drop in December.
Automotive production in Portugal rises 2.7% in 2025
Some 269,468 passenger cars, 68,809 light commercial vehicles and 3,084 heavy vehicles were produced in Portugal, according to data released by the Automobile Association of Portugal.
Automotive production in Portugal accelerates by 2.7% in 2025
Last year, 341,361 vehicles left factories located in the national territory, representing an increase of 2.7% compared with 2024, according to data from the Automobile Association of Portugal (ACAP) released on Friday. The analysis shows that Portugal produced 269,468 passenger cars, 68,809 light commercial vehicles and 3,084 heavy vehicles, ...
Automotive production in Portugal rises 2.7% in 2025
Portugal produced 269,468 light passenger vehicles, 68,809 light commercial vehicles and 3,084 heavy vehicles.
Portugal was among the EU countries where the share of agriculture in employment fell most
The share of agriculture in total employment is shrinking in all countries of the European Union (EU), but in some the fall has been more pronounced than in others. According to data released this Friday by Eurostat, Portugal was one of the Member States where the decline was most marked between 2013 and 2023. ...
Portuguese sales accelerator generated €10 million in 2025 and aims to surge in 2026
A Portuguese sales accelerator reported €10 million in revenue in 2025 and is planning rapid growth to significantly increase turnover in 2026.
Without immigrants, some municipalities would fall into 'functional collapse'
Experts warn that in certain Portuguese municipalities the population and workforce would shrink so drastically without immigrants that essential services and local economies — including health and social care, agriculture, construction and municipal services — could break down, leaving communities unable to function normally.
Davos Forum again welcomes Portuguese CEOs
Top executives will be in Switzerland to hear from some of the world’s most influential figures.
Labour market in 2026: technology, talent and new demands on leadership
The world of work enters this new year in a less euphoric and, certainly, more demanding cycle. After a period marked by accelerated hiring and the rapid adoption of new technologies, the labour market in 2026 moves into a consolidation phase. This moment will be characterised by a strengthening of budgetary discipline and by a focus ...
Madeira and the Azores recorded economic growth in 2024 but at a slower pace
Despite the increase compared with 2023, the Azores' GDP remained in 2024 below the national average and distant from the European average.
Government says it is 'monitoring' the merger of Galp and Moeve
The deal between Galp and Moeve could lead to a redistribution of the two companies' workers. The Workers' Committee of the Portuguese oil company has already voiced concern about the merger, and the Government says it is monitoring the situation.
Employment rates in OECD countries stable in the third quarter
The labour markets of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) remained stable in the third quarter, reaching record highs in the employment rate, the organisation announced today.
French investor saves Claire's stores and 200 jobs in Portugal
Julien Jarjoura, an investor based in Switzerland, has acquired Claire’s European business, preserving roughly 200 jobs in Portugal and maintaining the brand’s retail footprint across Europe. The purchase effectively separates the continental operation from insolvency proceedings affecting Claire’s in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland, stabilising local employment and stores while broader group restructuring and creditor processes continue.
Between AI and defence, 2026 will be a dual-use year
After Portugal’s Tekever became a unicorn, 2026 looks set to remain a liquid year for investors despite geopolitical uncertainties that are reshaping financial markets. Venture capital will continue to favour AI startups, but a growing emphasis on dual‑use and defence‑adjacent technologies means investors will weigh strong commercial upside against ethical, regulatory and geopolitical risks. The year will therefore be defined by opportunities for tech and defence crossover, active deal‑making, and increased scrutiny from policymakers and funds alike.
