"Considering the quarterly information, the lowest number of bankruptcies (365) was recorded in the 3rd quarter of 2022. Between 2015 and 2022, the average number of bankruptcies decreed per quarter fell from 1,061 to 400," the INE statement said.

The sectors of trade and industry and energy concentrated 44.3% of the total number of bankruptcies decreed in 2022, while the sectors of financial activities, information and communication and agriculture and fisheries together did not reach 6%.

By geographical location, the North, Lisbon Metropolitan Area and Centre regions together accounted for 87.7% of total bankruptcies decreed in 2022 (43.9%, 24.7% and 19.1%, respectively).