Softening demand stalls manufacturing recovery 

Economic concern, driven by the Covid crisis, has eroded growth momentum in the manufacturing sector

The recovery seen by Irish-based manufacturing businesses in July was largely eroded in August amid rising concern over the general economic outlook and future demand levels.

The latest monthly manufacturing sector index from AIB shows a reading of 52.3 points for August. This was the second highest reading in 16 months and reflective of a sector in strong growth mode. Any index reading above the neutral 50-point mark illustrates a sector which is growing.