KUALA LUMPUR (March 3): The Asean Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) hit a record high of 53.8 in February 2026, up from 52.8 in January 2026, driven by a record improvement in new orders, as well as a near-record increase in output, said S&P Global. The essential intelligence provider said the latest reading not only signalled a strong improvement in the health of the Asean manufacturing sector, but also the most marked improvement in the series’ history. S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said a sharp and accelerated influx of new orders, the fastest in the series’ history, allowed firms to ramp up production at a similar pace. "While firms in turn raised their purchasing and hiring activity to meet production requirements, the solid upturn in backlogs hints at further scope for expansion. "Additionally, companies were optimistic about prospects for output growth, as the index remained firmly in expansion territory," she said.

Source: The Edge Markets March 03, 2026 02:04 UTC