Irish manufacturing slows in December

Ireland’s manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in December, a survey showed this morning.

The NCB Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ index showed that the rate of expansion fell to 51.4 in December, from 52.4 the month previously, hurt by weak domestic demand and higher energy costs.

However, it marks a 10th consecutive month of expansion, as a reading above 50 indicates growth.

New export orders were at their highest level in five months, buoyed by orders from the US, survey compiler Markit said.