Philippine Manufacturing Activity Rises for 2nd Month

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI edged up to 50.9 in June 2026 from 50.8 in May, marking a second consecutive month of expansion in the manufacturing sector. Growth in new business was sustained, with output rising for a second month, although the pace of expansion softened. The downturn in new export orders also eased significantly. Manufacturers raised their purchases of raw materials and semi-finished items for the first time in four months. At the same time, employment levels were unchanged, marking a stabilization after workforce reductions in April and May. Backlogs rose for the first time in three months, pointing to renewed pressure on capacity. In addition, lead times lengthened to the least marked extent since last December. Inflationary pressures also eased, offering some relief to manufacturers. Nonetheless, confidence fell to its lowest since January, indicating that firms remain cautious about the outlook despite the sector's improving momentum.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.8 in May 2026 from 48.3 in April, signaling a renewed improvement in manufacturing sector conditions. New orders increased after a sharp decline in April, supported by improved client demand and new customer wins, leading firms to raise production at a solid pace. However, export demand remained weak, with new orders from abroad falling at the sharpest rate since July 2020. Lead times lengthened to one of the greatest extents in nearly a year-and-a-half, amid shipping delays and efforts by companies to consolidate orders to contain costs. Input cost inflation accelerated to its highest level since August 2022, while output price inflation rose to its second-fastest pace in three and a half years. Firms reduced purchasing activity for a third month and cut staffing levels at the fastest rate in two years. Nevertheless, business confidence rose to an 18-month high amid hopes that demand conditions will improve.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI fell to 48.3 in April 2026 from 51.3 in March. This marked the first deterioration in the manufacturing sector since last November, dragged by a sharp decline new orders, which fell for the first time in five months and at the steepest rate since August 2021. Export orders also dropped at their fastest pace since mid-2020. Production levels stagnated. On prices, input cost inflation accelerated to its highest since December 2022, driven by higher energy and shipping costs linked to the Middle East war. Selling price inflation hit a 41-month high. As a result, firms cut buying activity for a second month and reduced staffing levels for the first time this year. Still, firms managed workloads, as reflected in a renewed fall in backlogs. Input lead times also lengthened solidly. Despite these headwinds, business confidence for the year ahead rose to a 17-month high, buoyed by expectations of a growing client base and improving demand trends.