The AIB Ireland Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.9 in April 2026 from 53.7 in the previous month, marking its highest level since May 2022 and signalling a solid expansion in the sector. Output growth remained robust, supported by stronger order books and resilient demand. New orders increased at the fastest pace in a year, driven mainly by a surge in export sales.
Employment also grew strongly, with hiring rising at one of the quickest rates since June 2022 as firms expanded capacity and invested in long-term growth. Meanwhile, suppliers’ delivery times lengthened to the greatest extent in three and a half years, with companies citing fuel protests and ongoing international shipping delays.
On the price front, input cost inflation accelerated to its highest level since September 2022, reflecting higher fuel surcharges, transport costs, and raw material prices. Finally, business sentiment weakened markedly, dropping to a more than two-year low amid concerns about the longer-term impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
