Thursday, 12 March 2026
Industrial production in the Czech Republic increased at the start of 2026, with the automotive sector playing a key role in the expansion, according to data published by the Czech Statistical Office.
In January 2026, industrial output rose by 2.8 percent year-on-year in real terms. However, compared with December, production declined by 2.6 percent after seasonal adjustment. Despite the monthly decrease, the sector has now recorded year-on-year growth for twelve consecutive months.
The strongest contribution to the annual increase came from the manufacture of motor vehicles and related components. Additional growth was recorded in the production of fabricated metal products as well as in electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply. Output also increased in the manufacture of other transport equipment and in rubber and plastic products.
At the same time, several industries recorded weaker performance. The largest negative impact on overall production came from the manufacture of non-metallic mineral products, particularly materials used in construction. Declines were also recorded in the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products and in machinery and equipment production.
New industrial orders increased significantly compared with the same month a year earlier. The total value of new orders rose by 9.8 percent year-on-year at current prices. Demand from foreign markets increased by 8.9 percent, while domestic orders grew by 11.4 percent. However, on a month-on-month basis the value of new orders declined by 11.3 percent, largely reflecting a high comparison base from December 2025.
The annual growth in new orders was mainly driven by strong demand in the automotive sector, particularly for passenger vehicles and related components. In contrast, notable declines in orders were recorded in the production of computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment, and chemicals.
Employment in Czech industry continued to decline slightly. The average registered number of employees in the sector fell by 1 percent compared with January 2025.
Across the European Union, industrial production increased by 1.4 percent year-on-year in December 2025, according to data from Eurostat. Among major economies, the strongest growth was recorded in Poland and Sweden, while Germany reported a slight decline. Czech industry grew by 4.9 percent during the same period, while Slovakia recorded the largest decrease among EU member states.
Source: CSO
