Eurozone manufacturing activity expanded for a second consecutive month in April, with output growth accelerating to its strongest level in over three years, the HCOB Eurozone Manufacturing PMI showed. The PMI rose to 49.0 from 48.6 in March, a 32-month high, though it remained just below the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction. The improvement was driven by a faster rise in production, even as new orders continued to decline, particularly from export markets. Among the monitored countries, Greece and Ireland led factory performance, while Germany, France and Italy saw softer contractions. Declines in Austria, Spain and the Netherlands slightly worsened. Employment, purchasing, and inventory levels all continued to fall, but at slower rates. Business confidence weakened to its lowest level in 2025, while supplier delivery times shortened and input costs dropped. However, output prices rose at the fastest pace in two years, suggesting emerging inflationary pressures. The survey, compiled by S&P Global, pointed to a near-stabilisation in demand and further signs of industrial recovery across the eurozone. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
