Irish Manufacturing Employment Hits 4-Year High as July PMI Holds at 55.1
Updated
Updated · The Irish Times · Aug 4
Irish Manufacturing Employment Hits 4-Year High as July PMI Holds at 55.1
3 articles · Updated · The Irish Times · Aug 4
Summary
Irish manufacturers added staff at the fastest pace since May 2022 in July, marking a four-year high in hiring as firms reported robust activity and stronger confidence.
AIB's manufacturing PMI edged up to 55.1 from 54.9, with sustained gains in output, new orders and employment; production has now risen for nine straight months.
Domestic demand drove new orders above the first-half average, but export growth slowed to its weakest since February as firms cited geopolitical uncertainty.
Input cost inflation eased from May's peak, though Gulf conflict-related transport delays and raw-material shortages continued to disrupt supply chains.
Sentiment improved further, with 46% of respondents expecting higher output over the next 12 months and 9% forecasting a decline, the strongest optimism in six months.