Germany's manufacturing sector contracted for the second consecutive month in April, and the corresponding indicator dropped to the lowest level in thirty-three months, final data released by Markit Economics and HSBC Bank showed Thursday.
The seasonally adjusted purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector dropped to 46.2 in April from 48.4 in March, marking the second consecutive fall in activity. The latest reading was slightly lower than 46.3 estimated earlier.
New business received by manufacturers decreased for the tenth consecutive month in April, and the pace of reduction was the fastest so far this year.
Production at Germany factories dropped for the first time since December 2011, and the rate of fall was the sharpest since mid-2009. Manufacturers reduced their workforces for first time since March 2010, though at a marginal rate.
Average purchasing costs continued to increase in April, despite softer demand for raw materials. However, Input price inflation still eased from the eight-month high seen in March. Meanwhile, factory gate price inflation was modest during the month.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.