Reference News Network, January 5 report - According to the website of Germany's Berlin Daily on January 3, the gap in industrial sentiment between Europe and Asia continues to widen. The latest purchasing managers' index (PMI) released at the start of the new year indicates this. While the eurozone economy continues to shrink, Asia has benefited significantly from the global technological boom surrounding artificial intelligence.
According to data released by S&P Global, the eurozone manufacturing PMI fell from 49.6 to 48.8 in December 2025, hitting a nine-month low. The index being below 50 indicates economic contraction. Germany, the largest economy in the eurozone, performed particularly poorly, ranking last among the major eurozone economies.
Sirus D'Elia, chief national economist at Commerzbank in Hamburg, said: "Demand for eurozone industrial products has weakened again." He said that companies are being cautious, which is "poison" for the economy. France was the only bright spot, with its PMI reaching its highest level in 42 months.
Meanwhile, export-oriented Asian economies have returned to the growth track. Their economies, heavily dependent on technology exports, have greatly benefited from the high demand for semiconductors in the field of artificial intelligence applications.
South Korea's PMI rose to 50.1. China's economy has also regained momentum.
Shivan Tandon, an economist at Capital Economics, a macroeconomic consulting firm for Asian markets, said: "In the end, countries most closely linked to the AI supply chain will win the competition." Traditional industrial centers like Germany risk falling behind.
However, Asia still faces trade policy risks, especially given the possibility of further tariff increases by the United States in 2026. Experts believe the market must be prepared for this.
Due to declining production and inventory reduction, the U.S. manufacturing sector also weakened at the end of 2025. The U.S. manufacturing PMI published by S&P Global in December 2025 was 49.4, clearly in the contraction zone. Only the UK showed stronger performance, achieving the fastest growth rate in 15 months.
In summary, the latest purchasing managers' index indicates a divergence in global economic trends. Europe is struggling with structural problems and weak domestic demand, while export-oriented Asian economies are booming with the "artificial intelligence wave." However, if trade policy tensions escalate, this technology-driven growth could be hindered. Subsequent trends remain to be observed. (Translation by Wang Qing)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7591843609821889064/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author themselves.