Big industry output expands over 4% in Jul-Aug FY26

October 17, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing Index (LSMI) posted a 4.44% YoY growth during July–August FY26 to stand at 113.62, compared to 108.79 in the same period last year, according to provisional data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

For August 2025, the index was reported at 112.04, reflecting a 0.54% increase over August 2024, though it showed a 2.75% decline compared to July 2025.

The manufacturing rebound was primarily driven by robust activity in the automobile and cement sectors.

Automobile production skyrocketed 130.68% YoY in August and surged 90.40% cumulatively in Jul–Aug FY26, contributing 1.83 percentage points to the overall growth.

Cement output also showed significant improvement, up 18.55% in August and 18.65% cumulatively, contributing 0.98 points to overall growth.

The food and tobacco sectors added 1.02 and 0.17 percentage points, respectively, while wearing apparel (garments), despite a 10.65% monthly dip, still contributed 0.84 points cumulatively due to earlier gains.

Other positive contributors included paper & board (0.21), non-metallic mineral products (0.99), electrical equipment (0.08), and other transport equipment (0.23).

Despite overall growth, several key industries remained under pressure.

Petroleum products output dropped 13.59% YoY in August, pulling cumulative performance down 2.69%, denting overall growth by 0.21 points.

Textiles, the country’s largest manufacturing segment, saw a 0.34% monthly decline, trimming 0.03 points off cumulative growth.

Pharmaceuticals (-4.59%), iron & steel (-3.18%), chemicals (-0.48%), and furniture (-56.64%) also weighed on the index.

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