Latest news with #IndustrialProductionIndex
BusinessToday
27-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Manufacturing Industry Operation Remains Steady In Q1 At 81.8% Capacity
The Manufacturing industry operated at 81.8 per cent of capacity utilisation in the first quarter of 2025, increased by 1.0 percentage points compared to the same quarter of the preceding year (Q1 2024: 80.8%). The Department of Statistics said this was inline with the performance of Industrial Production Index of Manufacturing sector, which increased 4.2 per cent year-on-year during this quarter. In the first quarter of 2025, sub-sectors posted capacity utilisation above 80 per cent, with the highest rate recorded by the Non-metallic mineral products, basic metal & fabricated metal products sub-sector at 85.2 per cent increased 2.3 percentage points. DOSM also noted that this was followed by the increased 2.5 percentage points in the Textiles, wearing apparel, leather & footwear with a rate of 82.6 per cent. On a quarter-on-quarter comparison, the capacity utilisation of the Manufacturing industry recorded a mild declined of 0.1 percentage points (Q4 2024: 81.9%). The year-on-year increase in monthly capacity utilisation performance was recorded throughout the first quarter of 2025, which was January 2025 (81.8%; +0.9 percentage points); February 2025 (81.2%; +1.4 percentage points); and March 2025 (82.5%; +0.8 percentage points). The capacity utilisation in the export-oriented industries increased during this quarter, by 1.1 percentage points year-on-year to 80.6 per cent (Q1 2024: 79.5%). The highest rate resulted in the Manufacture of furniture; and Manufacture of machinery & equipment n.e.c. sub-sectors, which rise by 0.4 percentage points to 88.4 per cent and up by 2.2 percentage points to 85.9 per cent respectively. Nonetheless, three industries recorded the capacity utilisation below 80 per cent namely Manufacture of vegetable & animal oils & fats (72.8%); Manufacture of wood & products of wood & cork, except furniture, manufacture of articles of straw & plaiting materials (75.4%); and Manufacture of computer, electronics & optical products (79.2%). As compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the capacity utilisation rate of the export-oriented industries declined marginally by 0.3 percentage points from 80.9 per cent in the preceding quarter. In addition, the domestic-oriented capacity utilisation industries remained positive albeit at a slower rate of 0.9 percentage points to 84.5 per cent in first quarter of 2025. Most of the industries in this segment posted the higher utilisation rates, particularly in the Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery & equipment (+3.4 percentage points; 86.6%); and the Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products (+1.8 percentage points; 87.3%). Nevertheless, Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers & semi-trailers recorded a decline to register a rate of 82.9 per cent; and followed by the Manufacture of paper and paper products industry with 77.9 per cent. Factors such as low demand; insufficient supply of materials; and the repair & maintenance of machinery & equipment remained as the main cause of the under-utilisation of capacity in the Manufacturing industry. As compared to the last quarter, the capacity utilisation in the domestic-oriented industries were up by 0.6 percentage points from 83.9 per cent. The Manufacturing industry capacity utilisation for seven states surpassed the national rate in the first quarter of 2025, namely WP Labuan (98.5%); Terengganu (86.7%); Johor (85.2%); Pahang (84.5%); Melaka (84.2%); Selangor (83.6%); and Negeri Sembilan (83.0%). Whereas, the lowest capacity utilisation rate posted by Kelantan with 66.2 per cent decreased by 3.6 percentage points as compared to the same quarter last year. Related
CairoScene
14-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Industrial Output Rises 2% in March, Driven by Manufacturing
Non-oil industries grew 5.6% in March, with strong performance in chemicals, food, and electrical equipment, while utilities saw mixed results. Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index (IPI) rose by 2% year-on-year in March 2025, reaching 106.5, according to preliminary data from the General Authority for Statistics. The increase was primarily driven by strong growth in the manufacturing sector, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing push to diversify its economy beyond oil. Month-on-month, the index also saw a 1.1% rise from February's figure of 105.4. Manufacturing posted a 5.1% annual increase, led by a 14.3% surge in chemical production and a 6.9% uptick in food manufacturing—both seen as cornerstone industries in Saudi Arabia's industrial strategy. The non-oil industrial sectors grew 5.6% compared to March 2024 and 3.3% from the previous month. Electrical equipment and paper products recorded notable gains, while output in basic metals and furniture declined. Meanwhile, utilities showed a mixed picture: water supply and waste management jumped 15%, while electricity and gas saw a decline. Mining and oil extraction—the largest components of the IPI—fell marginally by 0.2% year-on-year, underscoring the shifting weight toward non-oil industries. Oil-related activities edged up just 0.5%, reinforcing the broader economic transformation underway. The latest data reflects progress under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to reduce the Kingdom's dependence on hydrocarbons by expanding the industrial and manufacturing base. With non-oil sectors continuing to outperform, the Kingdom is increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for diversified industrial growth.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Labour market continues to be resilient
Kenanga Research expects a stable labour market throughout 2025, mainly supported by steady domestic demand. PETALING JAYA: The latest labour market indicators suggest continued resilience with minimal impact observed for now, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research. In a report, the research house expects the country's economic growth to remain underpinned by sustained domestic demand, supported by continued employment and wage gains and a proactive policy stance which will cushion the impact of global uncertainties. 'Nevertheless, downside risks persist, stemming from uncertainty surrounding the outcome of trade negotiations with the United States and demand conditions of key trading partners. 'As such, we maintain our 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast at 4%,' the research house pointed out in a report. According to HLIB Research, the country's labour market showed continued improvement in March, underpinned by sustained growth in domestic demand and better export performance. The number of unemployed persons saw larger declines and consequently, the unemployment rate held steady at 3.1%, it said. Meanwhile Kenanga Research, in its report to clients, expects a stable labour market throughout 2025, mainly supported by steady domestic demand. Key drivers include higher minimum wages and public sector salaries, which will lift private consumption, the research house said. 'Investment is also expected to remain robust, steered by various national policy initiatives, record-high approved investments last year, and continued federal government spending under Budget 2025,' the research house added. On the supply side, it expects the services sector to continue expanding, led by tourism-related activities and a likely boost from the influx of tourists from China and regional economies. 'We project the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) GDP growth to be at 4.9% (4Q24: 5%), slightly lower than the previous quarter, though higher than the government's estimates of 4.4%. 'We believe there is some upside to 1Q25 growth given the better-than-expected March's Industrial Production Index's numbers. 'Our 2025 GDP forecast remains at 4.8% (2024: 5.1%) despite global trade uncertainties, as we anticipate Malaysia to gain from trade and investment diversion, along with continued domestic resilience,' it said. Kenanga Research added that globally, there was a mixed performance when it came to unemployment rates among the advanced economies like the United States and Japan.
CairoScene
13-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Industrial Output Increases by 2% in March
Non-oil sectors grew 5.6% YoY, with gains in electrical equipment and paper, while basic metals and furniture fell. Water supply rose 15%, but electricity and gas dropped. Saudi Arabia's industrial production index (IPI) rose by 2% year-on-year in March 2025, driven by solid growth in the manufacturing sector, particularly chemicals and food, according to preliminary data from the General Authority for Statistics. The IPI reached 106.5 in March, up from 105.4 in February—a 1.1% monthly increase. The manufacturing sub-index grew 5.1% compared to March 2024, led by a 14.3% rise in chemical production and a 6.9% increase in food manufacturing. Moreover, Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index (IPI) rose 2% year-on-year in March 2025, reaching 106.5. Manufacturing led the increase, with a 5.1% rise, driven by strong growth in chemicals and food production. Mining and oil extraction dipped slightly, down 0.2% from March 2024. Non-oil sectors grew 5.6% year-on-year and 3.3% month-on-month, with mixed results across industries. Electrical equipment and paper products saw gains, while basic metals and furniture production fell. Utilities showed mixed results: water supply and waste management surged 15%, while electricity and gas dropped. The data reflects continued growth in the Kingdom's non-oil industrial sectors, with non-oil activities expanding 5.6% year-on-year, while oil-related activities saw a 0.5% increase, aligning with Vision 2030's economic diversification goals.
Saudi Gazette
11-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia's industrial production rises 2% in March
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Industrial Production Index (IPI) results for March 2025, revealing a 2.0% increase in the general index compared to the same month last year. The growth was primarily driven by a 5.1% year-on-year rise in manufacturing activities and a significant 15.0% increase in the water supply, sanitation, waste management, and treatment sector. Meanwhile, the mining and quarrying activity index edged down by 0.2%, and the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector declined by 0.9% year-on-year. Oil-related activities saw modest growth, with the index rising by 0.5%, while non-oil industrial activities posted a 5.6% increase compared to March 2024, reflecting continued diversification efforts within the Kingdom's economy. GASTAT issues the Industrial Production Index on a monthly basis to monitor changes in the volume of production across key sectors. The index is based on data collected from a representative sample of establishments in the industrial sector, including mining and quarrying, manufacturing, utilities, and waste management.
