The manufacturing economy shrugged off recent poor conditions as firms raised output to clear backlogs ahead of Christmas but the outlook for 2003 remains uncertain, says the latest industry survey.
The NCB Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recorded 49.5 in November, up from 48.8 in October but below the critical no change mark of 50 for the second month running.
Manufacturing production grew for the eleventh successive month in November, but, despite a marginal strengthening, the rate of expansion of output remained subdued.
New orders fell slightly for the second month running as companies reported customers postponing new orders with the current economic outlook remaining uncertain.
The overall size of the Irish manufacturing workforce declined for third successive month in November. Cost reduction was again commonly cited by manufacturers who laid off staff.
Nonetheless, having fallen at the fastest rate for 11 months in October, the rate of job shedding eased slightly.