HICP flash estimate: prices up by 0.5% in September
According to the preliminary estimate of Statistics Estonia, in September, the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), which includes the expenditures of tourists, increased by 0.5% compared with August and by 3% compared with September 2025. This is a flash estimate which will be refined once more detailed data on September prices are received.
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.
Construction volume down by 6% last year
According to the preliminary data of Statistics Estonia, in 2024, the total production value of Estonian construction enterprises in Estonia and abroad decreased by 6% compared with 2023. Considering only the domestic market, the fall in construction volume last year was 7%.
Construction prices rose by 1.6% in 2024
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2024, the construction price index increased by 1.6% compared with the average of 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the construction price index increased by 0.4% compared with the third quarter of last year and by 1.3% compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
Construction volume down by 5% in the third quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the third quarter of 2024, the total production value of Estonian construction enterprises in Estonia and abroad decreased by 5% compared with the third quarter of 2023. Considering only the domestic market, the fall in construction volume was 6%.