Malaysia Manufacturing Pmi2015-2020 Data | 2021-2022 Forecast | Calendar

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI slumped to 31.3 in April 2020 from 48.4 in March. This was the fourth straight month of contraction in the sector and the steepest on record, as the negative economic impact from the COVID-19 outbreak intensified. Lockdown measures both domestically and overseas had a considerable impact on demand, which fell at a survey-record pace; while output fell at an unprecedented rate. Also, buying levels shrank the most on record, with employment declining modestly, amid the movement control order. Prices data showed a deflationary trend. Prices paid for raw materials and other inputs fell when compared to March. This gave firms more room to reduce output charges, which fell at the quickest rate since January 2015. Finally, confidence edged up into positive territory as companies anticipate an economic recovery over the course of the coming year.

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI edged down to 48.4 in March 2020 from 48.5 in February. This was the third straight month on contraction in the sector and the steepest since September last year, as the negative economic impact from the COVID-19 outbreak intensified. Output shrank the most since June 2016, new orders sank at the sharpest rate on record and export sales continued to fall. Also, buying activity fell sharply and at a survey-record pace and manufacturers reducing their inventories of finished goods. Supplier delivery times lengthened the most on record, amid reports that delayed shipments from China were compounded by problems acquiring inputs via air freight, leading to shortages in a number of key raw materials and components. Prices data showed input cost inflation slowed to a three-month low, while output charges fell for the third month in a row. Lastly, sentiment hit its lowest since January 2016.

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI was down to 48.5 in February 2020 from 48.8 in the prior month. This was the steepest contraction in factory activity since September last year, as COVID-19 cases in China hit domestic demand and led to severe supply chain disruption. Output contracted the least in eight months, new orders dropped at the steepest rate since last September and new export orders shrank the most since November 2012, with demand from China falling due to the outbreak. Firms reported a reduction in both buying levels and inventories. Employment was also reduced as some firms opted to not renew contracts for some employees given the possibility of production being constrained by an uncertain supply of inputs. On the price front, input price inflation accelerated slightly, while selling prices fell fractionally, amid efforts to stimulate demand and boost competitiveness. Finally, confidence slid to a 20-month low.

The IHS Markit Malaysia Manufacturing PMI was down to 48.8 in January 2020 from 50.0 in the prior month. Output fell slightly and new orders dropped the most since September amid a decline in exports due to the ongoing tough global trading environment at the start of the year. In addition, there was a small decline in staffing numbers, with companies reporting voluntary leavers and already-sufficient employee counts. On the price front, input cost inflation hit a five-month high, while output charges declined fractionally. Looking ahead, business sentiment remained upbeat amid forecasts of stronger demand, supportive state policies and planned expansion into foreign markets following 'phase one' of the US-China trade deal.