Adedokun Waliyu 
Italian industrial output rose by a marginal 0.1% in February compared to the previous month, data showed on Friday, disappointing expectations of a stronger rebound following two consecutive declines.
The data is a renewed sign of weakness for the euro zone’s third largest economy even before the surge in energy prices triggered by the US-Israeli attack on Iran that began on February 28.
A Reuters survey of 10 analysts had pointed to a 0.5% industrial output increase in February.
In the December-February output was down 0.4% compared to the previous three months, national statistics agency ISTAT reported.
On a work day-adjusted year-on-year basis, February posted a 0.5% increase, following a 0.6% drop in January.
Looking ahead the outlook is clouded by the turmoil in the Middle East. Italy’s Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said on Thursday that Rome is preparing to cut its GDP growth estimates to factor in the negative impact of rising energy prices.
Sources told Reuters the government would cut its estimate for this year’s growth to 0.5% or 0.6% from a current 0.7% target.
Other forecasters expect a more pronounced slowdown, while highlighting the intense uncertainty connected to the Middle East crisis.
In the fourth quarter of 2025 Italian GDP increased by 0.3% from the previous three months, slightly more than expected.
