Job seekers remain unchanged

Martinique had an average of 1,080 job seekers without any activity during the third quarter of 2026, a number that remained unchanged from the previous quarter.

Over-indebtedness applications rise

The number of applications for over-indebtedness increased by 12.2% compared to the previous year, indicating growing financial stress among residents.

Petroleum prices increase

Petroleum products cost 11.4% more than in September 2025, contributing to rising household expenses and economic pressure.

Private employment declines

Private employment had already declined in the second quarter, with the private sector losing about 600 jobs during that period.

Job seeker registrations rise

From July to September, an average of 42,280 job seekers were registered with France Travail, whether or not they were engaged in reduced activity, showing a 2.1% increase over three months.

No activity category grows

There were 30,930 individuals in the category of job seekers with no activity at all, an increase of 3.6% compared to the previous quarter.

Workforce numbers drop

At the end of 2024, the number of people working in Martinique was estimated at 149,600, but by the end of June 2026, this number had dropped to approximately 131,000.

Sector-specific job declines

During the second quarter, paid hours in the private sector excluding agriculture decreased by 1.2% compared to the previous year, with a more significant 3.7% decline in construction.

Unemployment rate remains high

The unemployment rate, as defined by the International Labour Organization, was 12.8% in the second quarter, based on a separate survey from the France Travail registration data.

Consumer prices decrease slightly

Prices have decreased over a month, with consumer prices in Martinique dropping by 0.2% compared to August, largely due to a decrease in airfare prices.

Annual inflation remains lower

Over one year, consumer prices in Martinique increased by 1.9%, compared to 3.1% nationally, showing a more moderate inflation rate.

Sectoral price differences

The average increase in prices covers significant differences, with food prices rising by 1.2%, services by 2.1%, and energy by 9.2%.

Fuel prices surge

In a single month, the price of road diesel surged by 8.9%, further straining household budgets and economic conditions.

Business failures increase

Business failures remain high, with 560 failures over the twelve months ending in July, an increase of 16.1% compared to 4.6% in France during the same period.

New businesses decline

There were 2,140 new businesses in the second quarter, a decrease of 4.2% compared to the first quarter, showing a slowdown in business creation.

Micro-entrepreneur growth

Over one year, the number of businesses under the micro-entrepreneur regime increased by 27%, while those of companies and individual enterprises outside the micro-entrepreneur regime decreased by 15.8%.

Construction sector struggles

For construction and civil engineering companies, already affected by the decline in paid hours, payment delays remain an immediate issue, with these delays remaining high in the second quarter.

Limited data on public orders

The balance as of November 2 does not provide comprehensive data to quantify the recent evolution of public orders or payments to businesses, highlighting a gap in available information.

Economic slowdown risks

An economy that is slowing down, with the risk for the end of the year that these difficulties will intensify, affecting both businesses and households.

Potential economic consequences

The decline in private employment and the increase in over-indebtedness may slow consumption, potentially leading to reduced investment and hiring by companies.

Inflation offers some relief

Inflation, more moderate than at the national level, provides a relative reprieve for households whose budgets are already being tested by the rise in fuel prices.