Confidence remains the highest in the retail trade sector and the lowest in construction
On 25 September, Statistics Estonia published the results of the business and consumer surveys for September. Compared with the previous month, confidence has improved slightly among retail trade and construction enterprises and has fallen a little in the services and industry sectors. Consumer confidence has remained at the same level as in August.
65% of people and 34% of enterprises use AI
The latest information technology surveys conducted by Statistics Estonia show that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) increased significantly in 2026 compared with the year before. AI use was up both among enterprises and among individuals, with the use of AI tools for private purposes rising by 53%. There was also a rise in the use of internet-connected devices, such as smart TVs and smart watches.
HICP flash estimate: prices up by 0.3% in August
According to the preliminary estimate of Statistics Estonia, in August 2026, the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), which includes the expenditures of tourists, increased by 0.3% compared with July. Compared with August last year, the HICP rose by 1.3%. This is a flash estimate which will be refined once more detailed data on August prices are received.
Business and consumer confidence showed signs of improvement in August
On 26 August, Statistics Estonia published the results of the business and consumer surveys for August. The survey results show that, compared with the previous month, assessments improved slightly among consumers as well as in the four business sectors.
In September, the prices of juices and syrups increased the most among food products
Industrial production in August declined significantly in the manufacture of wood
According to Statistics Estonia, in August 2024, the total production of industrial enterprises decreased by 6% at constant prices compared with August 2023. Among the three industrial sectors, output increased by 1.9% in mining but decreased by 5.6% in electricity production and by 6.4% in manufacturing.
Which smart devices do people in Estonia use at home?
According to Statistics Estonia, there has been a considerable rise in the use of Internet of Things devices over the last four years. The use of smart TVs has risen by 30%, and the use of smart watches has increased by as much as 60%. Internet-connected home appliances and voice-activated virtual assistants are also increasingly popular among households.
Retail trade volume has fallen for two years in a row
According to Statistics Estonia, in August 2024, the turnover of retail trade enterprises was €889 million. Compared with August 2023, the volume of retail trade turnover fell by 4%.