.png){kind=logo}
7 hours ago
1
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star
June 2, 2026 | 12:00am
S&P Global said in a statement yesterday that the Philippines’ purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 50.8 in May, indicating a return to growth territory from the 48.3 reading in April.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The country’s manufacturing activity returned to expansion mode in May, supported by improved demand and higher output.
S&P Global said in a statement yesterday that the Philippines’ purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 50.8 in May, indicating a return to growth territory from the 48.3 reading in April.
The PMI tracks the health of the manufacturing sector, with an above 50 reading reflecting an increase from the previous month and below 50 a decline.
Generated from a survey of around 400 manufacturers, the PMI is the weighted average of new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases.
S&P Global attributed the recovery in May to growth in new orders and output.
Manufacturers saw a fresh increase in new orders driven by domestic demand, which encouraged them to raise production levels.
S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said that the May data shows a mixed picture for the manufacturing sector.
“While manufacturers registered renewed growth in output and new orders, supply-chain disruption and cost pressures worsened as the Middle East conflict entered its third month,” she said.
This led to a decline in both buying and hiring activity in the sector.
To limit costs, companies decided to consolidate orders, leading to longer lead times for inputs.
S&P Global said that the lead times lengthened to one of the greatest extents in nearly a year-and-a-half amid shipping.
Manufacturers also raised their selling prices.
Despite headwinds, manufacturers have an optimistic outlook.
“Firms remained increasingly optimistic about the future, hoping improved demand will support output growth. Indeed, sustaining this growth will depend on how certain customers feel in the economic and geopolitical outlook,” Baluch said.
