The latest data signaled the strongest improvement in the health of the Czech manufacturing sector since August, amid faster expansions in output, new orders and employment.

At the same time, vendor performance deteriorated at the softest pace for 10 months.

In response, the rate of input inflation softened to the lowest in nine months, but selling prices continued to rise markedly. Looking ahead, output expectations rose to their highest for four months, reflecting hopes of a further uptick in client demand and minimal disruption to operations following the latest COVID-19 outbreak.