The reading also pointed to the 21st month of downturn, as new orders and output plunged further. New orders dropped for a record-equaling 23rd month amid weak demand, especially from Germany.

Simultaneously, production fell at the fastest pace in 3 months. With lower workloads, firms reduced their employment marginally and their purchasing activity. Meanwhile, the suppliers' delivery times lengthened the most since August 2022 due to Red Sea crisis.

January data signaled also a further cut in input and output prices.

On a positive note, the 12-month outlook for production was at its highest since February 2022 prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine