Eurozone Manufacturing PMI Shows Significant Improvement

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

Output Index Reaches New Heights

The Manufacturing PMI Output Index soared to a 37-month high, escalating from 50.5 in March to 51.5 in April. National PMI survey data highlighted Greece and Ireland as the top performers in the manufacturing sector during April. Despite employment levels contracting at faster rates, the report noted that "confidence was the weakest in 2025 so far."

Expert Insights on the Industrial Economy

"The near stabilisation of the industrial economy was supported by a production increase in both Germany and France in April, with Italy striving to re-enter expansion territory," commented HCOB Chief Economist Cyrus de la Rubia. He also pointed out, "Manufacturers managed to widen their profit margins in April, as purchasing prices declined while selling prices experienced their fastest rise in two years. However, this trend may not persist due to potential shifts in US tariff policy, which could lead to a broader availability of Chinese goods in the EU, heightening competition."