Manufacturing and industrial sectors show mixed growth in Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Economic indicators for Sri Lanka and Pakistan show varying trends in their manufacturing and industrial sectors.

In Sri Lanka, the September 2026 Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMI) indicate expansion in both manufacturing and services. The manufacturing PMI held steady at 53.0, supported by growth in the food, beverage, textiles, and apparel industries. The services sector recorded a PMI of 60.5, with notable activity in financial, education, and professional services. Employment increased across both sectors as businesses expanded to meet demand.

In Pakistan, large-scale manufacturing saw an annual growth of 0.7%, though monthly production fell by 5%. The automobile sector grew by 11.7%, the petroleum sector by 31.9%, and the apparel industry by 10.9%. Conversely, the chemical sector saw a 12.9% decline, and the iron sector decreased by 11.6%, reflecting uneven performance across the industrial landscape.