The latest data from the European Foundry Federation (EFF), indicates a cautiously stabilising
yet still fragile outlook for the European foundry industry in February 2026.
The European Foundry Industry Sentiment Index (FISI), published monthly by the EFF, kept the same level in February as in previous month – reaching a value of 95.5 points.
According to the FISI, the sector presents a mixed picture, with modest improvements in current conditions contrasted by weakening expectations in several segments.
The overall assessment of the current business situation in European iron foundries improved slightly in February, rising by 0.7 points to 96.9. However, expectations for the next six months edged down by 0.1 points to 89.1, signalling continued uncertainty about near term prospects.
In the steel casting segment, sentiment showed more positive momentum. The current situation index increased significantly by 1.6 points to 76.1, while expectations rose by 1.1 points to 100.2, indicating cautious optimism for recovery in this segment. Non-ferrous foundries continue to outperform other segments in terms of current activity levels. The current situation index rose by 0.4 points to a strong 130.9. However, expectations declined notably by 2.2 points to 144.9, suggesting that even this relatively robust segment anticipates headwinds in the coming months.
Overall, the FISI remains below its long term benchmark, reflecting a sector still navigating structural and cyclical challenges. While short term improvements in current business conditions are evident, particularly in steel and non-ferrous castings, weakening expectations highlight persistent concerns related to demand volatility, energy costs and broader economic uncertainty in Europe.
The divergence between improving present conditions and softening future expectations underscores the delicate balance facing the European foundry industry. Companies continue to operate in a complex environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, fluctuating industrial demand, and the ongoing transition toward greener production technologies.
EFF emphasises that maintaining competitiveness will require continued investment in innovation, energy efficiency and workforce skills. At the same time, supportive policy frameworks at the European level remain essential to ensure the long term resilience of this strategically important industry.
The Business Climate Indicator (BCI), published by the European Commission, reached -0.36 in February 2026, compared to the previous reading of -0.38 in January 2026. The Eurozone Manufacturing PMI in February 2026 reached a level of 50.8 which was an increase by 0.7 point from the value of 49.5 in January 2026. www.eff-eu.org