Economic overview: key events from the Czech Republic and the world Orlen Unipetrol, Škoda and TAL pipeline (8 April 2025)

Overview of the latest economic events in the Czech Republic

Orlen Unipetrol faces Russian oil supply shortages. Supplies from the Druzhba pipeline were interrupted in March. Orlen Unipetrol has therefore switched to state oil reserves to keep its refineries running smoothly. From April, the Czech Republic will start using the TAL pipeline from Italy, which should contribute to greater energy security and diversification of supplies.

Petr Pavel began a state visit to Ghana to strengthen trade relations. Ghana has become the Czech Republic's fourth largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The Czech delegation consists of companies from the energy, defence and healthcare sectors, which are looking for new opportunities in the fast-growing region.

Škoda Auto presents the new Elroq vRS electric car

Skoda is about to introduce the Elroq vRS, a sporty electric car based on the MEB platform. The model will offer a range of over 500 km and is intended to strengthen the brand's position in electromobility, especially in European markets.

Foreign investment

Decline in foreign direct investment. Foreign investment fell to 2.4 % of GDP in 2023. Regulatory uncertainty and problems in global supply chains are behind the decline. This puts the Czech Republic under pressure to improve conditions for investors. Foreign Investment Screening Act. From 2021, investments in key sectors are subject to stricter controls. The law particularly affects the interest of non-EU investors, especially in areas such as energy and defence. Rising wages are putting pressure on businesses. Wages are set to rise by up to 6 % in 2025, increasing costs for businesses, especially in industry and logistics. This development may reduce the Czech Republic's competitiveness in the eyes of foreign investors.

Significant events outside the Czech Republic with global impact

Tensions between the US and China are rising. Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs of 50 % on Chinese imports. The move has caused uncertainty in the markets and fears of a further escalation of the trade war. Stock markets are reacting to the call to postpone the tariffs. Following investor Bill Ackman's call for a postponement of the tariffs, markets rose sharply - the S&P 500 index added 3.7 %, the Nasdaq 4.2 %. Investors are hoping for an easing of tensions between the world's two largest economies.

gnews.cz - GH