Hungary Factory Activity Sees Improvement in April

The HALPIN Manufacturing PMI fell to 50.2 in May 2026 from a downwardly revised 50.4 in the previous month, marking its lowest level since January and remaining below its long-term monthly average of 52.6. Growth in new orders and production eased during the month, accompanied by softer export demand. Purchasing activity remained on an upward trend, albeit at a slower pace, and inventory levels continued to rise. Meanwhile, employment showed signs of recovery after weakening in the prior month, indicating a modest improvement in hiring conditions. Input costs also continued to increase sharply, although the pace of price growth eased compared with April. Supplier delivery times remained under pressure, signaling ongoing supply chain challenges. Overall, manufacturing activity stayed in expansion territory but remained below the historical average for May, reflecting a more subdued pace of growth across the sector.

The HALPIN Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.5 in April 2026 from a downwardly revised 50.3 in the previous month, remaining below its long-term monthly average of 52.6. The sector recorded a slight expansion, as new orders continued to grow, supported by a moderate increase in order backlogs. Production also strengthened, and purchasing activity remained in expansion territory. External demand showed improvement, with both export and import indices increasing. However, employment conditions weakened further, remaining firmly in contraction and signaling ongoing labor market softness in the sector. Supplier performance also deteriorated, pointing to continued shortening of delivery times. Price pressures intensified notably during the month, marking the largest monthly increase among all components.

The HALPIM Manufacturing PMI fell to 50.4 in March 2026 from a downwardly revised 51.2 in the previous month and remained below its long-term monthly average of 52.6. Growth remained uneven across components, as new orders and production continued to expand but at a slower pace, while employment and supplier delivery times held in contraction territory. External demand softened slightly, with both import and export indices declining, while inventories of both purchased inputs and finished goods increased modestly. Notably, purchase prices surged sharply, marking the strongest monthly change and pointing to intensifying cost pressures. Overall, most indices continued in expansion but hovered near the threshold, pointing to continued but fragile growth.