BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 134

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 June 2025 (Wave 134) businesses were asked about prices in the month of May 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 26.8% of businesses, the prices of materials, goods or services bought in May 2025 had increased compared with April 2025, down from 40.3% in the previous month. Similarly, the share of businesses increasing the prices of goods/services sold fell over the latest period.

Estimated share of businesses experiencing increased prices. Businesses not permanently stopped trading - with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 18 to 134.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 134 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

In June 2025, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in July 2025. An estimated 15.6% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in July 2025.

Figure 3: Labour costs was the top factor reported by businesses for considering price increases (38.6%).

Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in July 2025. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 134.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 134 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.