The study department of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CCI VisionEco, has released the results of its semi-annual economic survey. For the first half of 2026, the metropolitan economy was directly impacted by the conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing an increase in energy and fuel costs.
The business sentiment balance for turnover stands at –17 points, indicating a slowdown in deterioration rather than a genuine recovery. While industry and wholesale trade show a slight improvement, the construction sector (BTP), retail trade, and restaurants are struggling. Business finances are particularly strained, with negative sentiment balances for profit margins (–31 points) and cash flow (–34 points), affecting 42% of businesses. The territory's attractiveness remains preserved for 57% of business leaders.
Despite a 10.5% increase in business creation, particularly in micro-enterprises (+17%), insolvencies remain high, with 1,810 companies in collective proceedings threatening 9,600 jobs.
The outlook for the second half of 2026 is marked by growing pessimism. Economic indicator forecasts remain downward, influenced by combined energy surcharges, sluggish demand, and persistent uncertainties. The turnover sentiment balance is expected at –16 points. Order books are significantly degraded in construction (–26 points) and wholesale trade (–24 points). Cash flow expectations remain negative (–18 points) and investment at –9 points, heavily weighed down by construction. Employment shows a marked deterioration with a balance of –10 points, as 19% of companies plan to reduce their workforce.
Business leaders' confidence in their own structures is declining (46% compared to 54% previously), while confidence in the French and global economy plummets to 10%.
The main local obstacles to economic activity are local taxation and taxes (58% of leaders), followed by a shortage of local labor (38%) and the burden of administrative procedures (31%). Business transfer is a major challenge, with nearly one in five leaders considering selling their company, but operations are hindered by a scarcity of available buyers (37%) and credit restrictions (33%).
SMEs report high-tension cash flows. In the cosmetics sector, activity is declining due to international crises and a 19% drop in exports to the United States. The construction sector is deepening into crisis with a decrease in building permits and significant job losses. The chemical industry suffers from structural overcapacity and calls for competitive low-carbon energy. The cleaning services sector sees growth slowed by margin erosion. Temporary employment is declining, hampered by construction and industry.
