The headline IHS Markit/BME Germany Manufacturing PMI - a single-figure snapshot of the performance of the manufacturing economy - posted 56.9 in July, up from 55.9 in June. The start of the third quarter indicated a sharp improvement in operating conditions, with manufacturing growth regaining momentum.

Commenting on the final IHS Markit/BME Germany Manufacturing PMI survey data, Sian Jones, Economist at IHS Markit said: "The beginning of the second half of the year brought a faster rise in manufacturing growth among German manufacturers. Following a dip in overall performance in June, the upturn in output and new orders strengthened. That said, the increase in production continued to outpace that of new orders as firms expanded their efforts to clear backlogs. "Although slightly weaker than June, employment growth continued to grow sharply, with greater production requirements a key factor behind sustained job creation. Panellists also reported stronger optimism towards future output growth, the most robust since April".