Germany Factory Growth Slows in April

2026-04-23 07:48 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

The S&P Global Germany Manufacturing PMI fell to 51.2 in April 2026 from 52.2 in the prior month, broadly in line with forecasts of 51.3, according to flash estimates.

The data pointed to a slowdown in manufacturing activity following a solid expansion in March, which was strongest pace since May 2022.

Both output and new orders decelerated sharply as geopolitical uncertainty dampened demand and led to greater customer reluctance.

Employment fell once again, coinciding with a reduction in backlogs of work.

Meanwhile, supplier performance deteriorated at its fastest pace since mid-2022.

On the price front, higher prices for materials such as metals and plastics resulted in very strong cost pressures, the highest in the sector for over three-and-a-half years.

Output charge inflation hit a 39-month high, as businesses tried to pass some of the higher costs on to clients.

The outlook for the year ahead turned pessimistic amid heightened uncertainty, rising prices, and supply issues.



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