Czech economy shows mixed signals as foreign trade surplus grows but industrial orders decline

Czechia’s economy sent mixed signals in February. The country recorded a foreign trade surplus of 35.5 billion crowns, slightly lower year-on-year, driven by strong exports of motor vehicles, electricity, oil, and natural gas. Exports rose by 1.3 percent to 400 billion crowns, while imports increased by 1.6 percent. At the same time, industrial production ended a four-month slump, growing 1.5 percent year-on-year, helped by food processing, machinery, and electrical equipment. However, new industrial orders dropped by 1.3 percent, as domestic demand weakened. The number of industrial employees fell by two percent, underlining ongoing challenges in the sector.