Brussels, February 2 (QNA) – The Eurozone Manufacturing PMI registered 49.5 points last month, its highest level since last December, compared to 49 points in the previous month. However, it remained below the 50-point mark that separates contraction from growth.

This continued contraction for the third consecutive month indicates that the manufacturing sector has not yet entered a phase of genuine recovery, despite some partial improvement in production.

While countries such as Greece (54.2 points) and France (51.2 points) showed a clear improvement in manufacturing activity, countries such as Germany (49.1 points), Italy (48.1 points), Spain (49.2 points), and Austria (47.2 points) remained within contraction territory, reflecting a notable divergence in the performance of the region's major economies.

A continued reading below 50 points is considered an indication of a real decline in industrial activity, which could affect overall economic growth and increase pressure on the labor market in the coming months. (QNA)