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.
The Farm Structure Survey begins in September
The Farm Structure Survey 2026 is conducted by Statistics Estonia from 1 September until 30 November. The survey provides a comprehensive overview of agriculture in Estonia. These data are required for developing agricultural policies. Agricultural holdings who are in the sample but have not answered online by 23 September will be contacted by Statistics Estonia’s interviewers by phone between 24 September and 30 November.
In the first half of 2026, there were 4% more accommodated tourists than the year before
According to Statistics Estonia, in the first half of 2026, accommodation establishments served 1.66 million tourists, which is 4% more than in the same period last year. There were 5% more foreign tourists and 3% more domestic tourists than in the first half of last year.
The unemployment rate was 6.6% in the second quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the second quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate was 6.6%, the employment rate was 68.6%, and the labour force participation rate was 73.4%. The unemployment rate decreased, but employment indicators did not improve much.
The unemployment rate was 7.1% in the first quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the first quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate was 7.1%, the employment rate was 68%, and the labour force participation rate was 73.2%. Labour market indicators improved year on year but were not as good as in the previous quarter.
The number of job vacancies was the highest in education and trade
According to Statistics Estonia, in the fourth quarter of 2025, there were 8,553 job vacancies in the enterprises, institutions and organisations of Estonia. The number of vacant posts was the highest in education and wholesale and retail trade.
The unemployment rate was 7.5% last year
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2025, the unemployment rate was 7.5%, the employment rate was 68.5%, and the labour force participation rate was 74.1%.
Number of unemployed persons down in third quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the third quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate was 7.1%, the employment rate was 69.7%, and the labour force participation rate was 75.1%.
Number of unemployed persons down by 5,000 from first quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the second quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate was 7.8%, the employment rate was 68.9%, and the labour force participation rate was 74.8%.
The number of unemployed persons is at the highest level of the last 12 years
According to Statistics Estonia, in the first quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate was 8.6%, the employment rate was 67.4%, and the labour force participation rate was 73.7%.
The numbers of unemployed and employed persons both increased last year
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2024, the unemployment rate was 7.6%, the employment rate was 68.9%, and the labour force participation rate was 74.6%.
Number of unemployed persons down by 1,500 in third quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the third quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate was 7.4%, the employment rate was 69.1% and the labour force participation rate was 74.6%. There were 1,500 fewer unemployed people than in the previous quarter.