Ireland Manufacturing PMI

The AIB Ireland Manufacturing PMI edged up to 55.1 in July 2026 from 54.9 in June, marking its second-highest reading since May 2022 and signaling another strong improvement in factory conditions. Output and new orders continued to expand at robust rates, supported by stronger domestic demand, though export order growth slowed to its weakest pace since February amid geopolitical uncertainty. Employment rose at the fastest pace since May 2022 as firms added staff to meet healthy order books and expand production capacity. Purchasing activity and inventories increased further, although supply chains remained under pressure due to transportation delays and raw material shortages linked to the Middle East conflict. Input cost inflation eased to a five-month low, while output price inflation slowed to a four-month low. Business confidence strengthened to its highest since February, with nearly half of manufacturers expecting output to increase over the coming year.

The AIB Ireland Manufacturing PMI eased to 54.9 in June 2026 from May’s four-year high of 55.9 but remained well above the 50 threshold, signaling another strong improvement in factory conditions. Output expanded for an eighth consecutive month, while new orders continued to rise at one of the strongest rates in the past four years. Employment increased again as firms expanded capacity, helping reduce backlogs of work for the first time in four months. Stocks of purchases rose at the fastest pace since January 2023 and finished goods inventories posted their strongest increase since July 2019 amid persistent supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Although input cost inflation eased from May’s 46-month high, it remained elevated due to higher fuel, freight, and raw material costs, while output price inflation accelerated to its fastest pace since December 2022. Business confidence remained broadly positive despite moderating slightly from May.

The AIB Ireland Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.9 in May 2026 from 54.9 in April, reaching its highest in four years. Output growth accelerated to its fastest pace in a year, while new orders increased at the quickest rate since April 2022, driven by improving domestic and export demand, with overseas sales posting their strongest growth since August 2021. Employment also expanded at the fastest pace in nearly four years as firms boosted capacity to meet growing workloads. Purchasing activity strengthened sharply, while manufacturers continued building inventories amid supply chain concerns linked to the Middle East conflict. Supplier delivery times also lengthened to the greatest extent since October 2022. Meanwhile, input cost inflation accelerated to its highest level since July 2022, leading firms to raise selling prices at the fastest pace since December 2022. Still, business confidence improved from April’s 25-month low, supported by stronger sales pipelines and investment plans.