Greece's manufacturing sector records a strong recovery--Chi

By Leta Kalamara

Greece's manufacturing sector recorded a stronger recovery in February, according to the latest S&P Global PMI data.

Stronger output and new orders supported overall growth, with output posting its fastest increase in nearly a year. The improvement in demand conditions was concentrated in the domestic market, as new export orders fell in the middle of the first quarter. Companies expanded both input purchases and employment levels, but hiring was constrained by shortages of suitably qualified workers, which weighed on job creation. At the same time, backlogs of unprocessed work continued to rise. According to reports, the higher inflow of new orders strengthened the outlook for production.

Input costs rose at a faster pace, mainly due to increases in tariffs on metals. However, companies recorded weaker selling price growth compared to January.

The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI) for the manufacturing sector in Greece closed at 54.4 in February, slightly higher than the 54.2 at the start of 2026. The latest data indicated a sharp improvement in operating conditions at factories of goods producers, which was the fastest since August 2025.

Stronger demand conditions led to a further increase in new orders at Greek manufacturers’ factories in February, according to reports. The growth rate was generally strong and the strongest since August 2025. The recovery was also attributed to successful promotional initiatives and increased construction activity.

However, sales in international markets declined in the middle of the first quarter, as new export orders fell for the first time in three months, due to reports of weaker demand from abroad.