September's survey of eurozone manufacturers indicated a further improvement in operating conditions, extending the current period of expansion to 63 months. Growth was the weakest since September 2016, however, in line with the downward trend seen since the start of the year. This was reflected by the IHS Markit Eurozone Manufacturing PMI, which slipped to 53.2, broadly unchanged on the earlier flash reading of 53.3 and down from August's 54.6.

Commenting on the final Manufacturing PMI data, Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit said: "Eurozone manufacturing shifted down yet another gear at the end of the third quarter. The sector has seen booming growth at the start of the year rapidly fade to the worst performance for two years in September as production and jobs growth have slowed in response to a stalling of export trade. "The survey paints the worst trade picture for over five years, with export growth having slumped sharply from a series record high in late 2017 to near-stagnation in September.