A report on the manufacturing sector of the economy shows that activity continued to rise in June, but at a much slower pace than in recent months.
NCB's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped from 54.1 in May to 51.8 in June, the weakest figure for four months. Any number above 50 means that activity grew.
The report, compiled by research group Markit, said growth in output and new orders was weaker, while employment in the sector fell in June after a modest rise in May.
The report said cost inflation for businesses remained high, due to higher raw materials costs. The weaker euro added to price pressures, as it makes imported materials more expensive. But pressure from customers and competitors prevented companies from passing on the higher costs.
