CEPYME warns about the vulnerability of SMEs to rising costs and international uncertainty

 

La Confederación Española de la Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (CEPYME) warned about the fragility of the business fabric in the face of rising financial and energy costs, despite the record of 22 million members reached in March 2026.

 

The labor market in España It has shown expansive behavior during the month of March, achieving a historic milestone by exceeding, in seasonally adjusted figures, the 22 million employed registered in the Seguridad Social. However, since CEPYME A call for caution is made, stressing that this growth is strongly linked to the seasonality inherent in the Semana Santa and to the dynamism of the services sector.

 

Despite the overall increase of 211.510 members, the decrease in unemployment among young people has been negligible, with only 431 fewer people on the unemployment rolls. This figure contrasts with the general reduction in unemployment, which stood at 22.934 people, demonstrating a employability gap which continues to affect the newest segments of the market.

 

Labor Market Indicator (March 2026)	Figure / Variation
Total membership (seasonally adjusted)	> 22.000.000 employed
Increase in members in March	+ 211.510
Total decrease in unemployment	– 22.934 people
Decline in youth unemployment	– 431 people
Reduction in the Services Sector	– 18.852 unemployed

 

Sectoral imbalances and weakness in microenterprises

 

A detailed analysis by sector reveals that the hospitality and services industries were the driving forces behind hiring, with a decrease in unemployment of 18.852 people in the service sector and 5.846 in construction. Conversely, agriculture experienced a rise in unemployment (+365), as did the group of those with no previous employment, which added 2.881 unemployed.

 

For the employers' association led by CEPYMEThe most worrying data point lies in the evolution of smaller businesses. Employment in these businesses microenterprises It grows at less than half the rate recorded by all companies with employees. This data reflects a loss of traction in the most sensitive link of the Spanish economy in an environment of rising operating costs.

 

Impact of the crisis in Iran and production costs

 

The current international situation, marked by the crisis caused by the war in IránThis has exacerbated the pressure on SMEs. The business organization emphasizes that the increase in prices of Energy, raw materials and, especially, financial costsThey severely affect the maintenance of productive activity.

 

Under this scenario of global uncertainty, CEPYME It considers it imperative that the Administration adopt urgent measures to safeguard the activity of SMEs and avoid imposing greater tax or administrative burdens. The objective is to prevent the disappearance of companies, a phenomenon that would not only weaken the productive fabric but also compromise the territorial cohesion and the capacity for long-term wealth generation in España.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the situation of SMEs

 

What impact has seasonality had on the March data?

The increase of 211.510 members has been driven primarily by the campaign of Semana SantaJob creation is concentrated in the hospitality and services sector in general.

 

Why is the situation of micro-enterprises a cause for concern?

Because its rate of job creation is less than half the market average, demonstrating its vulnerability to rising costs of energy, raw materials, and financing.

 

How does the war in Iran affect the Spanish economy, according to CEPYME?

The crisis in Irán It creates an environment of international uncertainty that raises operating expenses and can hinder economic growth and investment in the national business sector.