Manufacturing PMI stays in the red despite uptick in April

Most major indicators remain in contraction.

The latest Singapore’ Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a 0.4 point increase from the previous month to 49.8.

According to Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (SIPMM), despite the improved reading, the manufacturing economy continued its contraction in the 10th month since June last year. The latest readings exhibited general improvements in nearly all indicators, though most major indicators remain in contraction.

Moreover, new orders, new export orders, and employment posted a slower rate of contraction while factory output moderated.

On the other hand, a the rate of expansion accelerated for inventory, stocks of finished goods and supplier deliveries.

Imports saw a faster rate of expansion as well, and order backlog expanded for the first time after previously recording 14 straight months of contraction.

SIPMM further reports that electronics sector PMI saw a 0.5 uptick from the previous month with a reading at 49.5. However, the sector continued to contract for the 10th consecutive month since June 2015.

Despite better readings in almost all indicators, most indicators remain in indicators remain in contraction. Electronic imports expanded for the first time after previously recording two straight months of contraction.

SIPMM asserts that in spite of continued contraction in the sector PMI, the successive improvements in readings signal that the electronics sector appeared resilient to the uncertain and challenging global business environment.