Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
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The downturn in the manufacturing and services sectors worsened in July as per the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) compiled by the Central Bank.
The Manufacturing PMI declined in July 2022, indicating a contraction in manufacturing activities on a month-on-month basis. Accordingly, Manufacturing PMI recorded an index value of 41.4 in July 2022, with a decline of 2.7 index points from the previous month driven by the decreases in all the sub-indices, except Suppliers’ Delivery Time.
The Services PMI recorded an index value of 43.0 in July 2022 indicating a contraction in services activities for the fourth consecutive month. This continual contraction was driven by the declines observed in New Businesses, Business Activities, Employment and Expectations for Activity.
Expanding on the Manufacturing PMI, the CBSL said the decline in New Orders in July 2022 over the previous month was mainly due to subdued demand conditions, particularly in the manufacture of food and beverage sector. Deterioration of consumer purchasing power and reduced retail footfall due to fuel shortage were among the major reasons for the subdued demand condition.
Production declined on a month-on-month basis, particularly in the manufacture of food and beverage sector, which was a combined outcome of subdued demand conditions and supply side concerns such as shortage of materials and fuel. Employment also declined, particularly in the manufacture of food and beverage sector, mainly due to the discontinuation of casual employees.
However, many respondents from the manufacturing textile and apparel sector mentioned that they were able to increase the employment count during the month. The decline in the Stock of Purchases was in line with the decline in New Orders and Production, and partly due to the unavailability of required quantities of inputs in the domestic market and difficulties in importing materials.
Moreover, the Suppliers’ Delivery Time lengthened during the month, mainly on account of vessel delays, and diesel shortage.
Expectations for manufacturing activities for the next three months remained in the negative territory, as manufacturers are concerned over the subdued demand conditions in addition to the continuation of supply-side constraints.
CBSL also said New Businesses contracted further in July 2022 compared to June 2022, particularly with the deteriorations observed in transportation, real estate and accommodation, food and beverage sub-sectors.
With regard to Services PMI, the CBSL said Business Activities dropped further in July with the decreases observed across most of the sub-sectors amid the severe fuel shortage experienced during the month.
In addition, as continuously highlighted by many respondents, the other supply side constraints as well as the subdued demand, driven by weakened economic conditions, price escalations and travel limitations also affected the business activities in the services sector negatively.
Accordingly, transportation, accommodation, food and beverage and other personal activities sub-sectors recorded considerable deterioration during the month.
Employment continued to fall in July due to freeze in new recruitments and non-renewal of existing employment contracts amid subdued business activities, retirements and resignations.
Meanwhile, backlogs of work increased further during the month with supply shortages, especially related to fuel, transportation difficulties faced by staff and power outages.
Expectations for Business Activities for the next three months weekend, yet at a slower pace, due to the continuous struggle firms endure amid various supply side uncertainties in the country.
