Eurozone Manufacturing PMI Rises to a 32-Month High

The Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) experienced a significant uplift in April, climbing to 49 from 48.6 in March, marking its highest point in 32 months. This encouraging data was released by S&P Global and Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) in their latest report.

Output Index Hits a 37-Month Peak

Further bolstering the positive outlook, the Manufacturing PMI Output Index reached a 37-month high, ascending from 50.5 in March to 51.5 in April. Notably, Greece and Ireland emerged as the top performers in the manufacturing sector during this period.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the uptick in production levels in Germany and France, and Italy's gradual move towards expansion, employment levels saw a contraction. HCOB Chief Economist Cyrus de la Rubia highlighted the temporary nature of the profit margin expansion, citing potential challenges from US tariff policies and increased competition from Chinese goods in the EU market.