Information Releases

March 2026

TDB Trends Research, March 2026

The domestic economy deteriorated sharply amid rising tensions in the Middle East
— All company sizes, industries, and regions deteriorated for the first time in two years and six months —

Trend in March 2026: Sharp Decline

The Economic Diffusion Index (DI) for March 2026 declined by 1.4 points from the previous month to 42.9, marking the first deterioration in two months.
The domestic economy, which had been on a gradual recovery trend, fell sharply due to rising crude oil prices, the resulting increase in fuel costs, and growing uncertainty over future economic conditions.

Future outlook: Weakening

Looking ahead, the domestic economy is expected to remain weak, with downside risks amid heightened uncertainty.

Primary points of survey results(summary)

1. 1 By industry: All 10 industries deteriorated simultaneously, with instability in crude oil procurement emerging as a major negative factor.
2. 2 By scale: All company sizes worsened for the first time in 11 months, with small to medium-sized firms particularly affected by sluggish performance in the manufacturing sector.
3. 3 By region: All 10 regions deteriorated for the first time in two years and six months, weighed down by rising crude oil prices and related factors.

Economic Trends Research, March 2026