India's Manufacturing Sector Surges: A PMI Perspective

India's manufacturing sector demonstrated significant growth in October, propelled by Goods and Services Tax relief, productivity gains, and technological investments, reported a monthly survey on Monday.

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) surged from 57.7 in September to 59.2 in October, reflecting an accelerated improvement in the sector's health. In PMI terms, a score above 50 signifies expansion, whereas below 50 indicates contraction.

Economic experts, including Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC, cited robust end-demand leading to increased output, new orders, and job creation. While domestic sales surged, international sales grew at a slower pace, with new orders driven by advertising, demand, and GST reforms. Despite a moderate rise in input costs, the rate of inflation remained high, and the outlook remains optimistic due to GST reforms and sustained demand.