India’s manufacturing activity slows in August, with the IHS Markit (S&P Global) Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) falling to 52.8, its lowest level in five years. The latest survey points to softer sales and weaker purchasing activity compared with prior months.
Across the reports, factory growth is described as losing momentum. One outlet highlights declines in production and new orders, and the survey indicates employment contracts for the first time in about two and a half years. While purchasing activity shows a slight increase, overall overseas demand weakens, and business confidence improves but stays below historical averages.
Both sources also note that input cost pressures ease, which provides some offsetting support for manufacturers, even as activity levels remain subdued. Overall, the differing emphasis is that the slowdown is broad-based—through sales, orders, and employment—while easing cost pressures and improving sentiment prevent the downturn from being sharper.
