The National Federation of Independent Business in Oregon recently released its monthly Small Business Economic Trends report, showing a 0.6-point decline in May to 95.3, remaining below its 52-year average of 98.0. The Uncertainty Index rose 3 points from April to 91, remaining well above its historical average of 68.
“More small business owners are struggling with significant and unpredictable hikes in fuel prices, which are more challenging for small businesses to pass on to their customers compared to their larger corporate competitors,” according to NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.
Highlights from the May SBET Include:
- 18% of business owners cited inflation as their single most important business problem, up 2 points from April and marking the highest reading since December 2024.
- In May, reports of both actual and planned price increases rose significantly. The net percent of owners raising average selling prices rose 6 points from April to a net 36% (seasonally adjusted), marking the highest reading since March 2023. A net 34% (seasonally adjusted) plan to increase prices, up 7 points from April and marking the highest reading since July 2022.
- 16% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners plan to make capital outlays in the next six months, down 1 point from April and the lowest level since March 2009.
- 70% of small business owners reported that supply chain disruptions affected their business to some extent, up 6 points from April.
