Operating conditions were undermined by declines in output and new orders, which both dropped to their steepest pace of the year so far.

Also, export orders fell to its highest degree since November 2022. Consequently, employment reduced for the eleventh month in a row, while purchasing activity decreased at its fastest pace in three months.

On prices, average input charges fell to a seven-year low, pushed down by a worsening demand environment and heightened competition.

Subsequently, output costs dropped for the first time since August 2020. Finally, confidence in the future remained positive, as firms signaled some optimism about market stabilization and an increase in demand.

However, the degree of optimism was the weakest in three months due to concerns over elevated prices.