Philippines Factory Growth Strongest Since 2016

2026-09-01 00:37 By Joshua Ferrer 1 min. read

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.9 in August 2026 from 51.8 in July, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth and the strongest improvement in factory conditions since December 2016.

New orders increased at the fastest pace in six months, while new export orders returned to growth for the first time in six months.

Manufacturing output also expanded at its fastest rate since December 2016, and firms increased purchasing activity at the fastest pace in six months, while inventories of purchases rose for the first time since February despite supplier delays.

Employment increased for the first time in five months, with job creation reaching its strongest pace in 21 months.

Meanwhile, input cost pressures eased notably from July, while output inflation slowed to its weakest in six months.

Business confidence surged to its highest level since November 2024, supported by expansion plans, new product launches and expectations of stronger orders and customer wins.



News Stream
Philippines Factory Growth Strongest Since 2016
The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.9 in August 2026 from 51.8 in July, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth and the strongest improvement in factory conditions since December 2016. New orders increased at the fastest pace in six months, while new export orders returned to growth for the first time in six months. Manufacturing output also expanded at its fastest rate since December 2016, and firms increased purchasing activity at the fastest pace in six months, while inventories of purchases rose for the first time since February despite supplier delays. Employment increased for the first time in five months, with job creation reaching its strongest pace in 21 months. Meanwhile, input cost pressures eased notably from July, while output inflation slowed to its weakest in six months. Business confidence surged to its highest level since November 2024, supported by expansion plans, new product launches and expectations of stronger orders and customer wins.
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Philippines Factory Activity Growth at 5-Month High
The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.8 in July 2026 from 50.9 in June, marking the third consecutive month of growth and the strongest since February. Stronger underlying demand and new project wins drove the fastest growth in new orders and output in five months, prompting manufacturers to increase purchasing activity. However, firms drew down both raw material and finished goods inventories to meet rising demand as supplier delivery times deteriorated sharply, largely due to supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Employment declined after stabilizing in June, reflecting voluntary resignations and firms' reluctance to replace departing workers. Meanwhile, input costs and selling prices accelerated to above their long-run averages as higher costs were passed on to customers. Despite stronger business activity, confidence remained historically subdued as ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and inflationary pressures continued to cloud the outlook.
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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.
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