Latvia's Ministry of Finance published an assessment of the latest Central Statistical Bureau data showing that manufacturing output rose 6.8% year on year in April and total industrial output increased 7%. The ministry said growth at the start of the second quarter was mainly driven by faster expansion in manufacturing and by a 12.1% increase in electricity and gas supply, while mining output fell 8.3%. Eighteen of 22 manufacturing subsectors expanded. Metal products and computers and electronics made the largest contributions, rising 17.1% and 22.3%, while wood products and food also grew by 1.6% and 3.5%. Beverages fell 28.8%. Over the first four months of the year, manufacturing grew 2.7%, electricity and gas supply rose 35.9%, and total industry increased 8.6%, while mining declined 24.6%. The ministry noted that manufacturer confidence weakened for a third consecutive month in May and assessed the 2026 manufacturing growth outlook cautiously at 1.5% to 2.5%, citing last year's high base and risks from tensions in the Strait of Hormuz that could affect demand and production costs.

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