Latest data released by Markit/BME - 1 April 2020
The preliminary report can be found here. Nothing more than a mild adjustment to the initial estimate as manufacturing conditions take a heavy hit amid the virus outbreak and lockdown measures in the region and across the globe.
Again, the headline reading flatters to deceive as it is offset by a supply chain disruptions. As Markit notes in their report:
"The decline in the headline index was softened by a marked increase in input lead times. While usually a sign of demand pressures, the lengthening of delivery times in March was instead a result of the severe supply-side disruption caused by COVID-19. At the same time, a slower fall in stocks of purchases also helped support the headline index, as some firms embarked on precautionary inventory building due to fears over the future availability of inputs."
The full report can be found here.
