Poland’s manufacturing sector grew in March, though less robustly than expected and the pace of expansion eased from February, PMI index publisher Markit said on Monday.

The index dipped to 53.5 from 54.2. The median of analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll stood at 54.6. Readings above 50 indicate growth.

“Business conditions improved solidly amid further rises in output, new orders and employment,” Markit said. “That said, rates of growth were below those seen earlier in the quarter.”

The survey also showed that significant price pressures continued to affect manufacturers, although optimism about the year ahead picked up to a 13-month high.