The manufacturing sector in Taiwan continued to contract in September, albeit at a slower rate, the latest survey from S&P Global revealed on Monday with a manufacturing PMI score of 46.4.
That's up from 44.3 in August, although it remains beneath the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.
The relative improvement in the headline PMI reading was supported by a softer reduction in output during September. Though strong, the latest drop in production was the slowest seen since April. According to panel members, output fell in line with weaker demand conditions at home and abroad, as new order intakes continued to contract.
However, the latest drop in total sales was also the softest recorded in five months, helped by a milder decline in new export business. In line with the trend seen for new orders, purchasing activity was trimmed at a slower rate in September. Though sharp, the latest reduction in input buying was the softest in six months.
