Indonesia Manufacturing Activity Growth Softens

(RTTNews) - Indonesia manufacturing sector continued to expand in March, albeit at a slower pace on softening growth in output and orders, survey data from S&P Global showed on Wednesday. The headline manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index slid to 52.4 in March from 53.6 in February. The index posted above the neutral 50.0 mark for the fourth consecutive month.

"March's survey data indicated another positive month for the health of the Indonesian manufacturing economy," S&P Global Market Intelligence Economist Usamah Bhatti said.

Data showed that growth in output and new orders sustained in March, although the respective rates of increase eased slightly from February. At the same time, foreign demand returned to expansion territory for the third time in four months.

Purchasing activity also remained in positive territory. Expectations of growth for the year ahead were little changed from February. Regarding prices, the survey showed that input prices grew strongly but the pace was below the series average. Output charges were raised only marginally.