Manufacturing (west):
Brakes released?

After the decline in the last three months, the business conditions improved slightly in western German manufacturing, with the exception of consumer non-durables. Inventory pressure eased, but order reserves are still judged to be insufficient. In the business expectations for the coming half year the sceptical voices only just held the balance, but appreciable impulses from export business are not expected. Production plans again call for further restrictions, particularly for the manufacturers of non-durable consumer goods.