HBL Manufacturing PMI dips to 50.8 as input costs surge
The S&P Global-compiled index slipped from 50.9 in September but stayed above 50.0, while input costs and selling prices rose and factory jobs fell for the first time since May.
The seasonally adjusted HBL Pakistan Manufacturing PMI stood at 50.8 in October, down from 50.9 in September and a six-month low.
The reading remained above 50.0, signalling only a marginal improvement in operating conditions.
Input-price inflation reached its highest level since data collection began in May 2024, driven mainly by fuel and fabrics.
New domestic orders returned to growth, but export orders fell for the first time in six months and employment declined for the first time since May.
HBL’s Humaira Qamar linked softer business confidence to inflation concerns and noted the State Bank of Pakistan’s 50-basis-point rate rise to 12.0%.