Slovak industrial orders rise by over 4% at the start of 2025

The industrial sector saw a 4.3% year-on-year increase in the value of new orders in January 2025, reaching a total of EUR 5.19 billion. Seasonally adjusted data indicates that new industrial orders grew by 6.1% compared to December 2024, signaling a strong start to the year despite challenges in some sectors.

Out of the 12 key industrial sectors tracked on a monthly basis, only four recorded year-on-year growth in January. The most significant increases were observed in the manufacture of computer, electronic, and optical products, as well as in motor vehicles, semi-trailers, and trailers. The chemical and chemical products sector also posted gains, benefiting from rising global demand and improved supply chain stability.

Despite the overall increase in orders, several industries experienced declines. The manufacture of apparel, basic metals, and electrical equipment saw year-on-year reductions, reflecting shifting consumer demand, cost pressures, and global market conditions. The downturn in the basic metals sector suggests ongoing challenges linked to fluctuating raw material prices and geopolitical uncertainties affecting trade flows.

The automotive industry, a crucial driver of industrial growth, continued its recovery with an increase in orders, fueled by higher demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as investments in next-generation automotive technologies. Similarly, the electronics sector showed resilience, supported by the expanding semiconductor market and increasing adoption of smart devices and automation solutions.

Analysts highlight that the positive momentum in new orders at the beginning of 2025 could indicate a stabilizing industrial economy, following a period of volatility due to inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and shifting global trade patterns. The chemical industry’s growth is linked to rebounding demand for industrial and consumer chemicals, as well as the recovery of European manufacturing and construction activities.

Looking ahead, industrial performance in the coming months will depend on global economic conditions, supply chain stability, and domestic policy measures to support manufacturing sectors. Rising energy costs, labor shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties remain potential risks, but the growth in key sectors suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook for the industrial economy in 2025.