Thailand's manufacturing sector faced a minor contraction as the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped slightly to 49.50 in April 2025, according to the latest data updated on 2 May 2025. This represents a slow down from the previous month, when the PMI was at 49.90 in March 2025.
The PMI is a crucial economic indicator that provides insight into the manufacturing sector's performance, with a reading above 50 indicating expansion and below 50 indicating contraction. April’s figure shows the manufacturing sector is still struggling to gain momentum, staying below the neutral mark for the second consecutive month.
The month-over-month comparison suggests that while the decline from 49.90 to 49.50 might appear modest, it underscores an ongoing challenge for Thailand's manufacturing industry in achieving growth. As the sector works to reverse this decline, stakeholders and policymakers will be keeping a close watch on subsequent figures for signs of recovery or further contraction. The downward trend calls for strategic interventions to boost manufacturing activity and reinforce economic stability in the broader national economy.
