According to the latest first estimates from Eurostat, seasonally adjusted industrial production declined by -0.2% in the euro area and -0.1% across the EU in May 2026 compared with April. This follows growth of +0.3% in the euro area and +0.2% in the EU during April.The annual picture was weaker, with industrial production in May 2026 -1.2% lower than a year earlier in the euro area and -0.3% lower across the EU.
As monthly industrial production figures can be volatile, rolling three-month comparisons provide a clearer indication of the underlying trend. Comparing March to May 2026 with December 2025 to February 2026, total industrial production increased by +0.7% in the EU and +0.3% in the euro area.
Manufacturing accounts for the largest share of Eurostat’s industrial production index, although it also includes mining, utilities and energy, making direct comparisons with UK manufacturing data less straightforward. Capital goods, however, are directly comparable. Output rose by +0.3% in both the euro area and the EU between April and May. The annual trend was stronger still, with capital goods output +2.6% higher in the euro area and +3.0% higher across the EU than in May 2025.
Looking at total industrial production on a year-on-year basis, 16 of the 27 EU member states recorded growth, while 9 saw declines. Belgium and Romania had not reported data at the time of publication. The strongest increases were recorded in Denmark (+6.5%), Sweden (+6.5%) and Latvia (+6.2%), while the largest declines were seen in Ireland (-19.7%), Bulgaria (-4.7%) and Estonia (-3.0%).
You can get the full details from the Eurostat News Release which can be downloaded from their website at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/news/euro-indicators (15 July) or requested from MTA.