The number of corporate bankruptcies in the Czech Republic increased in the first quarter of 2025, marking a shift from the previous year’s trend. A total of 183 companies were declared bankrupt between January and March, a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Over the same timeframe, 272 insolvency petitions were filed, representing a year-on-year rise of 14%, according to an analysis by CRIF – Czech Credit Bureau based on data from the portal www.informaceofirmach.cz. This upward trend continued into March, with 72 bankruptcies recorded—more than in any single month since March 2022. Although the figures remain below those from the early quarters of 2022 and 2023, the overall increase over the past 12 months points to growing financial pressures. From April 2024 to March 2025, 702 companies went bankrupt in the country, up 11% year-on-year. During the same period, insolvency petitions rose by 8% to a total of 1,114. Analyst Věra Kameníčková of CRIF noted that while the volume of corporate loans is not expanding rapidly, there is a visible rise in non-performing loans, suggesting a decline in companies’ ability to meet payment obligations. Regional data highlights significant differences across the country. In March, Prague saw the highest number of bankruptcies (36), followed by the South Moravian and Moravian-Silesian regions (7 each). Over the past 12 months, the Olomouc Region registered the highest bankruptcy rate relative to the number of active companies, with 20 bankruptcies per 10,000 firms. Prague and the Liberec Region followed closely with 19 each. Some areas experienced more significant year-on-year increases, with the Central Bohemian Region seeing a 57% rise in corporate bankruptcies, while the South Bohemian Region recorded a 53% increase. In contrast, five regions saw a decline in bankruptcies. The Pardubice Region reported the largest drop, down 33%, followed by Zlín, Karlovy Vary, Pilsen, and the Moravian-Silesian Region. Nationwide, the average rate was 17 bankruptcies per 10,000 active companies. Sector-specific data show that the highest number of bankruptcies in March occurred in the trade sector (18), followed by manufacturing (13) and construction (11). Over the past year, the highest rates of bankruptcy per 10,000 companies were recorded in the transport and storage sector (21), manufacturing (18), and administrative and support services (also 18). Sectors with the lowest risk included education, healthcare, social services, and other personal service activities, which collectively saw only two bankruptcies per 10,000 active entities—continuing a trend of relative stability in these areas. The latest data reflects mounting pressure in specific sectors and regions, with analysts warning of continued caution as economic conditions remain uncertain. Source: CRIF