The Philippines’ manufacturing sector showed stronger expansion at the start of 2026, with the S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 52.9 in January 2026 from 50.2 in December 2025. The improvement signals a firmer recovery in factory activity, moving further above the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction.
The latest reading suggests that operating conditions in the country’s manufacturing industry improved more solidly compared with the end of last year, when growth had been marginal. The January gain indicates healthier activity levels and potentially stronger demand dynamics in the sector.
The updated data, released on 2 February 2026, will likely be watched closely by investors and policymakers as they assess the resilience of the Philippines’ industrial base and its contribution to broader economic performance in early 2026.
