DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ireland’s manufacturing sector maintained strong growth in July, with output levels rising for the seventh successive month despite facing increased input cost pressures, a survey showed on Friday.
The AIB Ireland Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell slightly to 53.2 from June’s near three-year high of 53.7 but was still above the 50.0 threshold that indicates growth, where the index has remained throughout 2025.
New orders rose, albeit at the slowest pace since February. Export sales expanded for the first time since March, though only marginally, as global economic uncertainties continued to pose challenges.
Employment growth remained robust, with job creation matching June’s three-year high.
Input cost inflation accelerated in July, attributed to higher transportation bills and increased raw material prices. However, the appreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar helped mitigate some of these pressures.
Despite ongoing tariff uncertainties, manufacturers remain optimistic about future growth, with 35% anticipating increased production volumes over the next year, compared to 8% forecasting a decline. Optimism is linked to potential pent-up demand if global trade frictions ease.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Toby Chopra)
