A recent survey conducted by Crédit Moderne, a leading financial institution in the Indian Ocean, revealed that consumer confidence in Mauritius experienced a momentary upswing in early 2026. The survey, which polled 200 residents of Réunion Island, reported an overall score of 5.4 out of 10 regarding their perception of the current economic situation. This marked the highest score since the beginning of the decade.
The survey, conducted in early 2026, also found that respondents reported an improvement in their personal financial situations since the start of the year. However, this positivity may have been short-lived, as the outbreak of war against Iran on February 28, 2026, likely had a negative impact on consumer confidence. Economist Flavien Neuvy noted that while the rebound was remarkable, the current situation might be viewed differently if the survey were conducted today.
Despite the brief improvement in consumer confidence, residents of Réunion Island remain cautious in their spending habits. The survey found that intentions to increase spending were similar to those in 2025, at 28% of respondents, but higher than in 2023 and 2024, which were affected by inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, intentions to save remained stable at 31% of respondents, but may have increased since the beginning of the year.
The survey also revealed that among respondents who planned to increase their spending, travel and leisure activities were the top priorities, followed by home equipment and renovation projects. This trend may be attributed to the aging population of Réunion Island, although the number of births still exceeds the number of deaths, unlike in many developed countries.
Crédit Moderne, which finances over one in three car purchases in Réunion Island, closely monitors intentions to acquire new vehicles. The survey found that only 7% of respondents planned to buy a new car in the next 12 months, similar to the previous year. In contrast, 15% of respondents intended to purchase a used car, slightly more than in 2025.
The survey was presented by Olivier Gonzalez, Managing Director of Crédit Moderne for the Indian Ocean, Laurent de Bernardy, Director of Overseas Subsidiaries, and Flavien Neuvy, Director of the Cetelem Observatory. The results provide valuable insights into consumer trends in the French overseas departments.
The Crédit Moderne survey offers a snapshot of consumer confidence in Réunion Island, highlighting the impact of global events on local economic sentiment. As the island's economy continues to evolve, the survey's findings will likely remain relevant for businesses and policymakers seeking to understand consumer behavior.
Key points
- Consumer confidence in Mauritius showed a brief improvement in early 2026, with a score of 5.4 out of 10.
- Travel and leisure activities were the top priorities for respondents who planned to increase their spending.
- Intentions to buy new cars remained low, at 7% of respondents, while used car purchases were more popular.
