Eurozone Manufacturing PMI Shows Significant Improvement

The Eurozone's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reached 49 in April, marking a notable increase from March's 48.6 and achieving a 32-month peak, according to a collaborative report by S&P Global and Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) released this Friday.

Output Index and Employment Trends

Notably, the Manufacturing PMI Output Index soared to a 37-month high, climbing from 50.5 in March to 51.5 in April. Greece and Ireland emerged as the top performers in the manufacturing sector during this period. Despite these gains, employment levels saw a faster contraction, and business confidence dipped to its lowest point in 2025.

Expert Insights on Industrial Economy

"The industrial economy's near stabilization was significantly supported by production increases in Germany and France, with Italy making strides towards expansion," remarked HCOB Chief Economist Cyrus de la Rubia. He also highlighted a temporary boost in manufacturers' profit margins, attributing it to falling purchasing prices and a two-year peak in selling prices. However, he cautioned about potential challenges ahead, citing the impact of US tariff policies on competition within the EU market.