Manufacturing activity increased sharply in March, according to Ulster Bank, and at the fastest pace since September last year.<\/p>\n Overall, the PMI suggests output in the Northern Ireland private sector decreased for the fourth month running.<\/p>\n Ulster Bank\u2019s report said while output decreased again last month, and at a marked pace, the latest reduction was the softest in 2025 so far.<\/p>\n The survey said reduced demand and a drop in customer footfall were the principal factors leading output to fall.<\/p>\n Northern firms also posted a fifth successive monthly reduction in new orders during March.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere a fall in new orders was recorded, panellists mentioned a reluctance among customers to commit to new projects,\u201d said the report.<\/p>\n \u201cThe manufacturing sector bucked the wider trend and posted a renewed expansion in new orders.\u201d<\/p>\n The survey also pointed to private sector employers scaling back employment for the second month running in March.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, there were signs of further inflation, with 46% of respondents reporting an increase in their input costs.<\/p>\n The pace of inflation was the strongest since February 2023 and the most pronounced of the UK regions covered by the report.<\/p>\n It was principally driven by manufacturing and retail.<\/p>\n Most respondents linked higher input costs to rising wage pressures and the imminent increase in employer national insurance contributions.<\/p>\n In contrast to PMI reports published last year, where Northern Ireland was the standout performing the UK, the latest NatWest report ranked Northern Ireland at the bottom of the UK regional table for both business activity and future activity. <\/p>\n It also marked a contrast with the latest quarterly economic survey from the Northern Ireland Chamber, which ranked the north\u2019s manufacturing and services sectors among the best performing in the UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cMarket conditions remain challenging and recent tariff announcements suggest we could see continued challenges in the coming months,\u201d said NatWest\u2019s chief economist, Sebastian Burnside.<\/p>\n \u201cFirms up and down the country are looking to control costs, which is feeding through to staffing decisions.<\/p>\n \u201cPrice pressures remain high across the board, though they did at least subside slightly in most areas in March, on the eve of the changes to national insurance contributions and national minimum and living wages.\u201d<\/p>\n \n Full coverage, half price. For expert insights, analysis and commentary, subscribe to The Irish News today. Get full access for just \u00a37.49\/month. Offer ends 28th April.\n <\/p>\n![\"Price](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Y2NBADJDNBKZZH4N34LNQNBEPA.jpg\")
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