Czech industrial conditions worsen in February

Conditions in Czech manufacturing worsened again in February, though at the slowest pace since June 2022. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 47.7 from 46.6 in January, remaining below the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction, S&P Global reported. While output and new orders continued to decline, the contraction slowed. However, foreign demand remained weak, impacting overall sales. Employment and input purchases also fell, with job cuts accelerating. Analysts warn that risks such as potential U.S. tariffs on European goods and high energy costs could hinder recovery.