Online Report
Bangladesh’s economy showed signs of slower pace in August as the country’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) eased to 58.3, down 3.2 points from July, according to data released on Sunday.
The report, jointly prepared by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka, and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB), highlighted that while the economy has now expanded for 11 straight months, the pace has slowed with agriculture and construction slipping back into contraction.
Agriculture shrank for the first time in 10 months, weighed down by weaker demand, reduced activity, and rising input costs. Construction, which briefly returned to growth in July, also moved back into contraction, with companies reporting softer order backlogs and continued job losses for a fourth month in a row.
Manufacturing remained resilient, recording its 12th month of growth on the back of new orders, exports, and production. However, the sector also faced declines in employment and backlogs. The services industry stayed the strongest performer, expanding for an 11th consecutive month, though at a slower rate.
The report noted that business outlook weakened in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, while services firms remained more optimistic about the coming months.
“The economy has continued to grow for 11 months in a row, but the speed of expansion has moderated,” said Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh. “Agriculture and construction were hit by prolonged monsoon disruptions, while manufacturing and services felt the impact of lower export earnings in August.”
Launched by MCCI and PEB with UK government support and technical input from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM), the Bangladesh PMI is the country’s first comprehensive indicator designed to give timely insights into the health of the economy for businesses, investors, and policymakers.