Malaysia Manufacturing PMI2015-2021 Data | 2022-2023 Forecast | Calendar

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI declined to 48.9 in January of 2021 from 49.1 in December 2020. This was the sixth straight month of contraction as both output and new orders remained subdued, amid the stricter restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, new export orders saw a further moderation in January, and to a greater extent than total new business as disruption in international markets strengthened as infections rose. At the same time, manufacturers recorded a stabilisation in backlogs of work in the latest survey period following 28 months of depletion. Input costs increased to the fastest since May 2017. As a result, output charges accelerated to the quickest pace since April 2018. Looking ahead, sentiment weakened to the softest seen for five months, as worries about the impact of the pandemic intensified again during the month, in part due to concerns over recoveries being hindered by new variants of the virus.

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI increased to 49.1 in December 2020 from 48.4 in November. This was the fifth straight month of contraction as a both output and new orders remained subdued, as market demand continued to be dampened by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although production volumes and sales moderated further, employment levels were broadly stable for the first time since May. Input costs increased to the fastest in just over three years. As a result, output charges accelerated to the quickest pace for 32 months. Looking ahead, sentiment remained positive, due to hopes of a recovery in both domestic and external demand that would boost production levels over the next 12 months.

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI edged down to 48.4 in November 2020 from 48.5 in October. This was the fourth straight month of contraction as a rise in COVID-19 cases both domestically and around the world has led to reduced demand for Malaysian manufactured goods while supply chains struggled to deliver inputs in a timely manner. Both production and new order volumes moderated, yet the pace of deterioration was markedly softer than in April. Exports continued to decline, due to a resurgence of infections in key markets such as India was cited as a contributor to ongoing weakness in exports. Meanwhile, the rate of job shedding eased to the softest since May. On the price front, the rate of input cost inflation accelerated and was the fastest in four months. As a result, output charges continued to increase. Looking ahead, sentiment strengthened amid hopes that an end the pandemic would bring about a return to normal operating conditions and boost production.

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI fell to 48.5 in October 2020 from 49.0 in September. This was the third straight month of contraction and the steepest in the sequence, amid the extension and reintroduction of restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The decline in export sales gathered pace to result in a weakened order book situation. As a result, production was scaled back and employment fell further. Firms were reluctant to raise buying levels and hold inventories, leading to a depletion in stocks of both purchases and finished goods. At the same time, suppliers' delivery times lengthened solidly again, though demand for inputs dropped. On the price front, the rate of input cost inflation softened despite reports of material shortages leading to higher supplier charges. Meanwhile, firms increased their own output prices at a marginal pace. Looking ahead, sentiment weakened from September's nine-month high.