Czech industrial production rises 2.2% in May despite monthly dip

Industrial production in the Czech Republic rose by 2.2% year-on-year in May 2025, though it fell by 1.6% compared to April. New orders increased by 5.0% year-on-year.

“The growth in May was partly influenced by a low base of comparison from the previous year, especially in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply. Additionally, output in the manufacture of other transport equipment, driven by the completion of significant long-term orders, and the manufacture of electrical equipment contributed to the rise,” said Veronika Doležalová, Head of the Industrial Statistics Unit at the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). However, production decreased year-on-year in the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products. Overall, manufacturing output grew by 1.5% compared to May 2024.

The value of new industrial orders in current prices rose by 5.0% year-on-year in May. Non-domestic orders increased by 7.2%, while domestic orders were up by 1.0%. Month-on-month, however, the value of new orders fell by 3.9%. “Growth in new orders was led by the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, also supported by last year’s lower base. There was also an increase in orders for fabricated metal products and electrical equipment,” noted Irena Stupňánková from the CZSO.

Employment in the industrial sector declined by 2.0% year-on-year in May.

According to Eurostat, industrial production across the EU27 rose by 0.6% in April 2025 compared to the previous year. Ireland and Finland saw the strongest growth, with increases of 18.4% and 10.2%, respectively. Czech industry grew by 2.0%, while Germany’s output dropped by 2.4%. The largest decreases were observed in Denmark (11.6%) and Bulgaria (10.5%). Among specific industries, EU27 production of basic pharmaceutical products rose by 7.7%, while the manufacture of wearing apparel declined by 6.7%. Eurostat is scheduled to release data for May 2025 on 15 July 2025.