Myanmar Manufacturing Grows for 1st Time in 6 Months

The S&P Global Myanmar Manufacturing PMI increased to 50.4 in December 2024 from November’s five-month low of 49.8.

It marked the first expansion in factory activity since June, due to stronger output growth.

In addition, new orders rose for the second straight month as demand trends improved.

However, purchasing activity fell for the 18th straight month while job shedding extended for the 19th month, as a result of resignations.

Vendor performance suffered due to persistent material shortages and challenges in securing import licenses and transportation.

On the price front, a favorable exchange rate against the US dollar alleviated some cost pressures caused by higher raw material and transport costs.

Input costs and output prices rose at the slowest pace in 24 and 13 months, respectively.

Looking ahead, business sentiment strengthened for the first time in six months, amid hopes of improved demand trends and plans of expanding to new markets.