Kazakhstan: Manufacturing PMI remains robust in April
The S&P Global Kazakhstan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) ticked down to 51.5 in April from 51.6 in March. As a result, the index remained above the 50.0 no-change threshold and signaled a robust improvement in manufacturing sector operating conditions compared to the previous month.
April’s reading reflected a continuous rise in new orders and production, though slightly milder than in March amid flooding. Firms were able to secure new business through competitive pricing strategies despite facing challenges such as increased input costs and logistical disruptions. Additionally, the manufacturing sector saw the second-sharpest accumulation of stocks of purchases since the survey began over five years ago.
April saw output prices remain broadly unchanged, breaking a seven-month streak of inflation, even as input costs continued to rise sharply. Lastly, business confidence stayed high, driven by anticipated improvements in demand conditions and upcoming contracts.