The Irish manufacturing sector weakened slightly again in November, according to figures released today.
The latest NCB Purchasing Managers' Index recorded a figure of 49.5, up from 48.8 in October but below the critical 50 mark which separates growth from contraction.
NCB said that while demand remained weak and employment declined, this was tempered by a slight strengthening of output as firms tried to clear backlogs.
'Though poor external demand hit Irish manufacturing this autumn, the November PMI suggests the effects may be waning,' NCB senior economist Eunan King said.
'The recent aggressive interest rate cuts in the US may possibly have boosted confidence here given the importance of that market for Irish exports,' he added.
