WARSAW, Feb 1 (Reuters) - The slump in the Polish
manufacturing sector continued in January, a survey showed, but
rates of decline in production and new orders softened and hopes
for improved conditions in the months ahead rose.
S&P Global's Polish Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index
(PMI) rose to 47.5 in January from 45.6 in December, but
remained below the 50.0 line that separates growth from
contraction. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a reading
of 46.2.
"Polish manufacturers endured a somewhat challenging start
to the year," said Paul Smith, Economics Director at S&P Global
Market Intelligence. "Market conditions remained subdued,
characterised by weak demand for Polish manufactured goods both
at home and abroad."
Prices for energy, raw materials and semi-manufactured goods
remained high, while staffing levels declined as firms chose not
to replace leavers.
However, the survey showed a marked improvement in
sentiment, with companies forecasting improved demand and lower
prices in the months ahead.
"Confidence about the future has ... risen, reaching its
highest level since May 2022 amid hopes of a more stable
economic environment," said Smith.
(Reporting by Alan Charlish; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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