A similar picture is seen in the United Kingdom.
However, the purchasing managers' index for the eurozone manufacturing industry rose to 51.4 from 50.8 the previous month. Analysts had on average expected a decline to 49.6.
As for the services sector, the index fell to 50.1 from 51.9.
Overall, this results in a composite index falling to 50.5 from 51.9. The average forecast among analysts was 51.0.
In Germany, the composite index fell to 51.9 from 53.2 the previous month. The average forecast among analysts was 52.2. In France, the same index fell to 48.3 from 49.9. Analysts had expected a smaller decline to 49.3.
In the UK, the composite index stood at 51.0 in March, according to preliminary figures. This is a clear decline from 53.7 the previous month. The average forecast was 52.8.
An index value below 50 indicates reduced activity in the economy.
