Press release-AmCham Survey of the business environment in Croatia 2025

"We are proud that our members continue to demonstrate resilience and achieve strong business results. 64% of them performed better in 2024 compared to 2023, around half increased employment, and similar outcomes are expected for 2025," highlighted Rina Musić, President of the AmCham Board of Governors.

Andrea Doko Jelušić pointed out the main business challenges in 2024 as the lack of suitable workforce, labor costs, and inflation. Over the past three years, 62% of companies have increased salaries in line with or above the inflation rate, while as many as 38% were unable to keep up with inflation. On a positive note, she emphasized that more than 50% of respondents plan to raise wages in line with inflation, and over 30% plan to go beyond the inflation rate in 2025, in order to maintain competitiveness in the labor market and attract top talent.

53% of respondents believe that business conditions in Croatia are comparable to those in other Central and Eastern European countries, while more than 30% see Croatia’s conditions as more favorable — a significant improvement compared to previous surveys. This perception is supported by 61% of respondents who rate the business climate in Croatia as good or very good, noting positive developments over the past five years.

The greatest improvements over the five-year period, according to respondents, include growing demand for goods and services, more favorable financing conditions, and opportunities for trade. Conversely, the biggest declines in business conditions are linked to the quality and availability of the workforce, labor costs, and enforcement of rights and legal procedures.

The survey was conducted between December 9, 2024, and February 10, 2025, among 152 board members of domestic and international companies operating in Croatia. Areas covered include: business performance in 2024, business environment, the impact of institutions, regional comparison, business expectations, wage growth, and inflation.