Italy’s manufacturing confidence index rose to 91.9 in September 2026 from 90.2 in August, beating market expectations of 90.5 and marking its highest level since April 2023. The data signal a continued improvement in sentiment across the sector, underpinned by more favorable views of both current demand and production conditions.
Manufacturers’ assessments of total orders strengthened (to -13.5 from -19.6), supported in part by a notable rebound in foreign orders (to -19.1 from -23.4). Perceptions of current production levels also improved (to -13.7 from -16.2).
Looking ahead, employment prospects rose (to 3.3 from 1.5), indicating more positive hiring plans among manufacturers. However, production expectations eased slightly (to 8.9 from 9.6), while price expectations increased (to 17.1 from 15.5), largely reflecting the recent surge in oil prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
