S&P Global’s Purchasing Manager’s Index recorded a fall for Vietnam’s manufacturing sector in March, with the index dipping below the 50-point break-even mark. Recording a 49.9 this was a drop of .5 percent from February’s 50.4.
Key takeaways
- Optimism in the industry for the year was at an 18-month high;
- There was a fall in new orders;
- New export orders were down due to competition and geopolitical challenges;
- The fall was was isolated to intermediate goods firms whereas consumer and investment goods producers recorded increases;
- New hires were up;
- Lower orders led to a reduction in the import of raw materials and a solid decrease in input stocks;
- There was a significant fall in stocks of finished goods; and
- Selling prices reduced.
