March factory output hit 8-month high

• The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) reached an eight-month high of 58.1 in March 2025, marking an expansion for 45 months.
• The increase was attributed to an increase in new orders.
• Demand momentum remained robust, with the new orders index recording an eight-month high of 61.5.
• Business expectations remained optimistic, with 30% of survey participants expecting greater output volumes in the year ahead.
• Sales numbers expanded at a robust rate, with positive customer interest, favorable demand conditions, and successful marketing initiatives.
• Production volume also increased at the end of 2024-25.
• Capacity pressures grew at a milder rate in March, slowing recruitment drives.
• Input prices increased to a three-month high but were still below their long-run average.