BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 132

Prices

The BICS asks businesses that have not permanently stopped trading (i.e. ‘Currently Trading’ or ‘Paused Trading’) about how the prices of materials, goods and services bought and sold compare with the previous calendar month. Note that in May 2025 (Wave 132) businesses were asked about prices in the month of April 2025. Prior to Wave 55 (19 April to 1 May 2022), ‘Currently Trading’ businesses were asked how prices compare to normal price fluctuations.

Figure 2: For an estimated 40.3% of businesses, the prices of materials, goods or services bought in April 2025 had increased compared with March 2025. 28.9% of businesses increased the prices of goods or services they sold in April 2025.

Estimated share of businesses experiencing increased prices. Businesses not permanently stopped trading - with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 18 to 132.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 132 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

At an estimated 40.3%, the percentage of businesses seeing an increase in prices of materials, goods and services bought is the highest since April 2023 (when it was 41.5%). The percentage that increased prices sold, an estimated 28.9%, is at its highest in the series.

In May 2025, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in June 2025. An estimated 20.7% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in June 2025.

Figure 3: Labour costs was the top factor reported by businesses for considering price increases (40.6%).

Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in June 2025. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 132.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 132 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.