ROME, July 10 (Reuters) - Italian industrial output fell by more than expected in May, with a 0.3% month-on-month drop, official data showed on Friday, in a renewed sign of weakness for manufacturing in the euro zone's third-largest economy.
A Reuters survey of nine analysts had pointed to a 0.2% month-on-month decline in May, after three consecutive increases.
In the March-to-May period, however, output was up 0.9% compared to the previous three months, national statistics agency ISTAT said.
ISTAT
slightly revised down April's month-on-month data to show a 0.4% rise, from an originally reported 0.5% increase.
On a work day-adjusted year-on-year basis, industrial output rose 1.1% in May versus a forecast of a 1.3% increase. It followed a 1.1% rise in April, downwardly revised from an originally reported 1.3% increase.
Looking ahead, the outlook is clouded by continuing turmoil in the Middle East.
The government in April cut its economic growth outlook to 0.6% for this year and next, reflecting the increase in energy costs and geopolitical tensions, from previous targets of 0.7% and 0.8% respectively.
In the first quarter of 2026 Italian gross domestic product increased by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter, the same growth rate as in the fourth quarter of last year.
In 2025 Italy grew by 0.5%, a third straight year of sub-1% growth.
(Reporting by Antonella Cinelli, graphic by Stefano Bernabei, editing by Alvise Armellini)
