El Consejo General de los Colegios de Gestores Administrativos It presented its Spring Barometer, warning that Spanish SMEs are suffering structural wear and tear due to increased costs and bureaucracy, compromising their future profitability despite maintaining sales and employment levels.
A snapshot of profitability: profits versus a recent decline
Although tourism revenue and the trade surplus act as lubricants for the national economy, the reality for small and medium-sized enterprises shows signs of strain. According to the report's data, 57,6 % Most SMEs managed to close the 2025 fiscal year with profits. However, this figure masks a growing vulnerability: 20,1 % of the companies already operate in negative territory, while a 22,3 % Additionally, it maintains a state of technical equilibrium without generating surpluses.
What is most alarming to experts is the speed of this decline. Of all the companies experiencing losses, one 26,6 % He entered this situation during the last year. Fernando Jesús Santiago Ollero, Chairman of the Consejo GeneralHe points out that "the worrying thing is not just how many companies are losing money, but how many have become losing money now. That's what indicates where we're headed."
The sales paradox: more activity with less return
Commercial dynamism is not absent, but its financial efficiency is questionable. 41,3 % The companies increased their revenue by 2025, a figure that in another context would suggest a phase of solid expansion. However, this increase in sales is not translating into real progress due to a widespread margin compression.
This situation is a response to a scenario of stagflationThis is characterized by stagnant value added in the face of persistent cost inflation. Companies are taking on more risk and workload for ever-decreasing returns, jeopardizing their long-term viability.
| Business Indicator (2025) | Percentage of SMEs |
|---|---|
| Profitable companies | 57,6 % |
| Companies in losses | 20,1 % |
| Companies in equilibrium (without profits) | 22,3 % |
| Sales increase | 41,3 % |
| Staff maintenance | 64,7 % |
Tax, labor and administrative pressure
The operating environment has become extremely hostile for the business manager. 86,1 % The administrative managers maintain that the relationship with the Administration has not improved, identifying the Excessive regulation (83,5%) and the bureaucratic slowness (69,8%) as the main bottlenecks.
Furthermore, administrative digitization, far from simplifying processes, has shifted management burdens directly onto business owners. The pressure factors can be summarized in three critical areas identified by professionals:
- Tax burden: Perceived as growing by 69,1% of managers.
- Work expenses: Identified by 81,85% as a major problem.
- Economic uncertainty: A determining factor for 84,56% of respondents.
In the words of Fernando Jesús Santiago Ollero"The problem isn't the companies. Spanish SMEs are responding. The problem is the environment in which they have to operate." The lack of institutional support and the transfer of bureaucratic costs are increasing the business risk for 56,15% of professionals in the sector.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the SME Barometer 2026
What is the current solvency situation of SMEs?
Although most remain viable, close to a 19,2 % Many companies are already experiencing serious liquidity problems, coinciding with those that are reporting losses and negative cash flow.
How is digitalization affecting business management?
For 53,3% of managers, digitalization has generated new difficulties, since it has not reduced the administrative burden but has shifted it towards the entrepreneur, increasing operational complexity.
Are massive job cuts taking place?
Not at the moment. 64,7 % The number of SMEs has managed to maintain its workforce throughout 2025, demonstrating a remarkable effort to sustain employment despite the reduction in its profit margins.
Any questions about this news?
Talk to Coexia, the AI of the foreign trade
