PMI slows in April to 49.6

The decline marks the first contraction after 19 months of expansion.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell by one point in April from the previous month to 49.6, signaling a contraction for the overall manufacturing sector for the first time after 19 consecutive months of expansion.

According to the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM), the downturn was due to a first-time contraction in the key indexes of new orders, factory output, future business, and employment.

In addition, the indexes of new exports, imports, and input purchases recorded slower expansion.

In contrast, the indexes of supplier deliveries finished goods, and order backlog posted a faster expansion rate.

“The US reciprocal tariffs have started to take a toll on the local manufacturing sector as evidenced by the Singapore PMI, which reverted to a contraction reading after posting 19 months of expansion. Local manufacturers reported order deferments and cancellations from foreign buyers who were greatly affected by the high reciprocal tariffs,” Stephen Poh, executive director of SIPMM said.

Follow the link for more news on

PMI

The people you want to reach are already in this room.

Every quarter, SBR lands on the desks of the founders, CFOs, and directors running Asia's most consequential companies. Every day, they open our newsletter and read our website. It's a room that took twenty years to build — and it's the one most of our partners are trying to get into.

The good news is that the door is open. We work with companies on thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. The shape of the right partnership depends on what you're trying to do, which is why we'd rather start with a conversation than send a rate card.

If you have something this room should know about, tell us. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how.

No rate cards until we understand the brief. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia