Lower export sales hit Irish factories

In the latest AIB Purchasing Managers Index, manufacturers reported a decline in spending among their clients, which created lower production volumes compared to August.

The headline PMI was in contraction territory last month at 49.6, slightly below the neutral 50 threshold and down from August's six-month high of 50.8. File Picture: David Creedon

Irish factories saw new orders fall at the fastest pace so far this year in September, driven by a lacklustre demand in key export markets including the UK and the eurozone.

In the latest AIB Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for manufacturers, a leading industry survey, manufacturers reported a decline in spending among their clients, which created lower production volumes compared to August.