Composite “contraction came despite further growth in manufacturing production, which was boosted in part by a rise in new export orders”

“manufacturing is doing better, as output has been climbing for three months in a row, and new orders are following suit.”

“That upward trend likely reflects a mix of short-term factors – like companies rushing orders ahead of US tariffs – and broader cyclical improvements supported by ECB rate cuts. Looking ahead, increased defence spending and a more defined infrastructure package could give the sector an extra push. “

“Latest data showed another broad-based reduction in backlogs of work”