European Foundry Industry faces fragile recovery as April 2026 FISI signals persistent uncertainty
The European Foundry Industry Sentiment Index (FISI), published monthly by European
Foundry Federation (EFF), continues to operate in a challenging economic environment
marked by uneven demand, weak industrial momentum, and growing uncertainty about future
market conditions. According to the latest data the sector shows signs of stabilization in some
segments, while confidence regarding the next six months remains fragile.
The overall FISI indicator for April 2026 remained below the long-term benchmark, confirming
that Europe’s foundry sector is still struggling to regain sustained growth momentum despite
isolated improvements in several casting segments.
European Foundry Federation, representing national foundry associations across Europe,
notes that foundries continue to face significant pressures from high energy costs, geopolitical
instability, weak industrial output in key European markets, and ongoing uncertainty in
automotive and manufacturing supply chains.
Ferrous Castings: Stable current conditions but weaker outlook
In the ferrous castings segment, the assessment of the current business situation remained
unchanged in April 2026 at 98.7 index points. However, expectations for the next six months
declined further to 85.3 points, highlighting increasing caution among iron foundries across
Europe. The data suggests that while operational activity has stabilized in the short term,
companies remain concerned about future orders, investment activity, and broader industrial
demand across the European manufacturing sector.
Steel Foundries Show Slight Improvement
The steel castings sector recorded a modest improvement in current business conditions. The
current situation index increased by 0.8 points to 74.7 index points in April 2026. Expectations
for the next six months remained stable at 98.1 points. Despite the slight improvement, the
steel casting segment continues to operate well below historical averages, reflecting subdued
demand from heavy industry, machinery, and infrastructure-related sectors.
Non-Ferrous Foundries remain the strongest segment
Non-ferrous foundries continue to outperform other parts of the European foundry industry. In
April 2026, the assessment of the current business situation increased by 1.8 points to 133.3
index points. At the same time, expectations for the next six months declined by 1.5 points to
145.9 points, indicating that although market activity remains relatively strong, companies are
becoming more cautious regarding the sustainability of demand growth in the coming months.
The non-ferrous segment continues to benefit from demand linked to lightweight components,
electrification, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing applications.
The broader Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area remains in negative territory,
reflecting continuing weakness in European manufacturing activity. At the same time, the
Eurozone Manufacturing PMI reached 52.2, signaling a slight expansion in manufacturing
activity. The latest FISI results underline the close relationship between the foundry sector and
the wider industrial economy in Europe.
European foundries remain strategically important suppliers for industries including
automotive, machinery, energy, railways, aerospace, defence, and infrastructure. However,
the sector continues to call for stronger European industrial policies supporting
competitiveness, investment, energy affordability, and industrial resilience.
EFF emphasises that maintaining a competitive European foundry industry is essential for
safeguarding industrial sovereignty and securing resilient European supply chains during a
period of global economic transformation.
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The FISI – European Foundry Industry Sentiment Indicator – is the earliest available composite indicator
providing information on the European foundry industry performance. It is published by EFF every month and is
based on survey responses of the European foundry industry. The EFF members are asked to give their
assessment of the current business situation in the foundry sector and their expectations for the next six months.
The BCI – Business Climate Indicator – is an indicator published by the European Commission. The BCI
evaluates development conditions of the manufacturing sector in the euro area every month and uses five balances
of opinion from industry survey: production trends, order books, export order books, stocks and production
expectations.
Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) - in the Euro area is an indicator of the economic health of the manufacturing
sector. It is based on such indicators as: new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries and the
employment environment.
Please find the chart enclosed or combined with additional information at eff-eu.org/.
Background information on EFF:
EFF is the umbrella organisation of the national European foundry associations. The organisation, founded in 1953,
has 22 European member states and works to promote the economical, technical, legal and social interests of the
EFF • European Foundry Federation
European foundry industry. At the same time, EFF implements activities which aim at developing national foundry
industries and co-ordinating their shared international interests. The General Secretariat is situated in Düsseldorf
since 1997.
EFF represents 4 400 European foundries. Nearly 260 000 employees are generating a turnover of 39 billion Euro.
European foundries are recruiting 20 000 workers and engineers per year. The main customer industries are e.g.
the automotive, the general engineering and the building industries as well as the electrical engineering industry.
No industrial sector exists without using casted components.
Further information at eff-eu.org/ and LinkedIn EFF.
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EFF Contact:
Witold Dobosz
EFF – European Foundry Federation
mail: info@eff-eu.org
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