ALF registers the highest growth in Leasing and Renting in Europe in the first half of 2024 and Factoring remains in the Top 3 for penetration in National GDP

Leaseurope, the European Federation of Leasing and Renting, has released its results for the first half of 2024, pointing to a turnover of 196 billion euros, which corresponds to growth of 5.6% compared to the first half of 2023. These figures are the sum of the members that report information to Leaseurope, including the Portuguese Association of Leasing, Factoring and Renting (ALF).

Vehicle leasing, which in the European context includes financial leasing (Leasing) and operational leasing (Renting), grew by 8.6%, translating into 136 billion euros in investments. Equipment and real estate leasing, on the other hand, fell by 0.5% and 7.2% respectively.

A more detailed analysis of new production shows that vehicle rental was the main driver of global growth, with the segment growing in practically every country, with Greece and Portugal standing out, with growth of 35% and 30% respectively.

In contrast, equipment leasing, despite moderate growth in some markets, saw considerable falls in production, with Italy and Greece registering decreases of 21.6% and 39, respectively. Real estate leasing had a polarized performance, with regions registering growths of up to 300% (Croatia) and others registering considerable declines of up to 82% (Sweden).

In the case of Portugal, the Portuguese Association of Leasing, Factoring and Renting recorded the highest growth of the 28 members, over 26%, which translates into 2 billion euros in investments, in Leasing and Renting. In equipment leasing (including vehicles) and real estate leasing, Portugal also achieved very significant growth, 24% and 36% respectively. 

With regard to the European Factoring results, drawn up by the EUFederation (European Factoring Federation), there was a slight decrease in the first half of 2024. The total volume of receivables reached 1.21 trillion euros, a reduction of 0.1% compared to the same period in 2023. Portugal registered a reduction of 0.7%, which translates into 21.5 billion euros in acquired receivables. Regarding penetration of national GDP, Portugal remains in the top 3 in Europe, along with Spain and Belgium.