The AIB Ireland Manufacturing PMI edged down to 55.2 in October 2026 from 55.5 in September. Still, the reading continued to signal a robust improvement in overall business conditions. Output rose solidly, although growth slowed from September’s four-and-a-half-year high. New orders also increased sharply, with export orders extending their growth streak to nine straight months. Backlogs of work rose at the slowest pace since July. Manufacturers continued hiring to meet stronger demand and boost capacity, with job creation reaching a three-month high. Purchasing activity also grew at its fastest pace since May, partly reflecting efforts to build safety stocks, as pre-production inventories recorded their strongest increase since January 2023. Meanwhile, input cost inflation accelerated to a four-month high, driven by higher energy, fuel and raw material prices. Output charges also rose at their fastest pace since June. Finally, confidence in the year-ahead outlook improved further.