Italy Manufacturing Confidence Falls to 7-Month Low

2026-04-29 08:15 By Judith Sib-at 1 min. read

Italy’s manufacturing confidence indicator fell to 87.9 in April 2026 from a downwardly revised 88.7 in the previous month, slightly below market expectations of 88.

This marked the weakest reading since September 2025, weighed down by uncertainty over persistent tensions in the Middle East.

Both assessments of total order books (-19.4 vs -17.8 in March) and expectations for production levels (0.7 vs 1.4) deteriorated.

Price growth expectations also worsened amid high energy prices (24.9 vs 12.9).

Meanwhile, employment prospects remained stable (0 vs -0.9).

On a broader level, overall business confidence weakened (95.2 vs 97.3), with sentiment in construction (100.9 vs 103.6) and market services (99.1 vs 102.6) also declining.

In contrast, retail trade confidence improved slightly (100.8 vs 100.5).



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Italy Manufacturing Confidence Falls to 7-Month Low
Italy’s manufacturing confidence indicator fell to 87.9 in April 2026 from a downwardly revised 88.7 in the previous month, slightly below market expectations of 88. This marked the weakest reading since September 2025, weighed down by uncertainty over persistent tensions in the Middle East. Both assessments of total order books (-19.4 vs -17.8 in March) and expectations for production levels (0.7 vs 1.4) deteriorated. Price growth expectations also worsened amid high energy prices (24.9 vs 12.9). Meanwhile, employment prospects remained stable (0 vs -0.9). On a broader level, overall business confidence weakened (95.2 vs 97.3), with sentiment in construction (100.9 vs 103.6) and market services (99.1 vs 102.6) also declining. In contrast, retail trade confidence improved slightly (100.8 vs 100.5).
2026-04-29
Italy Manufacturing Confidence Slightly Improves
Italy’s manufacturing confidence indicator edged higher to 88.8 in March 2026 from 88.5 in the previous month. Assessments of order books (-17.4 vs -19.1 in February) and production levels (-15.7 vs -16.7) became less pessimistic, while the assessments of finished goods inventories edged lower (2.2 vs 2.5). Looking ahead, manufacturers’ expectations for production (1.5 vs 2.5) weakened, while employment remained unchanged (-0.9%). Inflation expectations climbed to 12.2 from 8.6 in February, reflecting rising cost pressures. Meanwhile, confidence in other sectors, particularly construction (103.6 vs 103.1) and market services (102.7 vs 102.1) remained strong, while retail trade confidence (100.6 vs 104.9) fell sharply.
2026-03-26
Italy Manufacturing Confidence Drops in February
Italy's manufacturing confidence indicator fell to 88.5 in February 2026 from 89.2 in the previous month. Assessments of order books (-19.3 vs -18.1 in January) and production levels (-17.7 vs -17.5) became more negative, while finished goods inventories rose (2.5 vs 2.1), pointing to slower sales. Looking ahead, manufacturers’ expectations for production (2.7 vs 3.2) and employment (-0.9 vs -0.2) deteriorated. Inflation expectations also increased (8.5 vs 7.3), reflecting rising cost pressures. Meanwhile, prospects for liquidity improved slightly (-8.0 vs -8.3).
2026-02-26