Leasing, factoring and renting record growth in Portugal in H1

The Associação Portuguesa de Leasing, Factoring e Renting (ALF) has released its results for the first half of 2025, revealing strong performance across the three sectors it represents. Factoring once again led with double-digit growth, while renting and leasing also showed resilience amid evolving economic conditions.

Factoring registered a robust 11.3% increase, reaching €23.9 billion in total production, compared to €21.5 billion in the same period of 2024. The growth highlights the sector’s vital role in supporting corporate liquidity and export activity. Export factoring rose by 10.3% to €2.75 billion, and confirming transactions climbed 8.3% to €11.05 billion.

Leasing also performed positively overall, with equipment and vehicle leasing up 5% to €1.15 billion, supported by fleet modernisation and investment recovery in key industries. However, real estate leasing declined 19% to €358 million, reflecting tighter financing conditions and a slowdown in commercial real estate investment. Combined, leasing operations financed €1.5 billion in investments during the first six months of 2025.

Renting maintained steady growth, with 19,426 new light vehicles registered – a 4.3% increase year-on-year – representing an investment of €532 million. The total managed fleet reached 140,315 vehicles, up 3.8%. Green mobility continued to gain ground, with 28.8% of new rented vehicles fully electric and 22% plug-in hybrids.

“The results for the first half of 2025 confirm the importance of these sectors as drivers of financing and investment. Leasing, Factoring and Renting solutions continue to respond to the needs of economic agents, adapting to a changing economic context,” said Luís Augusto, Chairman of ALF.

According to Leaseurope, the European leasing and rental market grew 3.1% in 2024 to €453.7 billion in total investment. Portugal ranked as the third fastest-growing market in Europe last year, behind only Turkey and the Netherlands, a trend that continues into 2025 with the positive momentum reported by ALF.