The deterioration in the manufacturing sector eased to the slowest pace in 10 months in July but fragile demand at home and abroad continued to limit output.

The NCB purchasing managers’ index, a composite measure of manufacturing activity, rose to 43.7 from 42.5 in June, still well below the 50.0 mark separating growth from contraction.

According to data provider Markit, the rate of contraction of output accelerated last month as new business continued to fall. “Production at Irish manufacturers has now decreased in each of the past 17 months,” it said. – (Reuters)