The latest report on the manufacturing sector shows that activity in January grew at a slower pace than in December.
The NCB Purchasing Managers' Index recorded 52.3, down from the previous month's 53. Any figure above 50 signals growth.
NCB economist Eunan King described the pace of expansion as stable. New orders rose, but there was a drop in export orders for the second time in three months.
Costs rose at their sharpest pace since September, mainly due to higher raw materials prices. The costs index was 66.1, while prices charged by firms also moved up to 56.4. Employment growth in the sector was only marginal at 50.8.
