Big industry output increases 2% in March

May 15, 2025 (MLN): The large-scale manufacturing (LSM) sector of Pakistan recorded an increase of 1.79% in March 2025 to 117.20 compared to last year, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported today.

On a monthly basis, it plummeted by 4.64% compared to February's 122.91 points.

Cumulatively in the nine months of the fiscal year 2024-25, the LSM showed a contraction of 1.47% year-on-year.

The main contributors towards overall growth of -1.47% are Tobacco (0.17), Textile (0.35) Garments (1.14), Petroleum Products (0.30), Pharmaceuticals (0.13), Automobiles (0.68), Other transport Equipment (0.14), Food (-0. 09), Chemicals (-0.45) Non Metallic Mineral Products (- 0.68), Cement (-0.37), Iron & Steel Products (-0.51), Electrical Equipment (-0.47), Machinery and Equipment (-0.17) and Furniture (-1.94).

The production in July-March 2024-25 as compared to July-March 2023-24 has increased in Tobacco, Textile, wearing apparel, Coke & Petroleum Products, Automobiles and Other Transport Equipment while it Decreased in Food, Chemical Products, Non Metallic Mineral Products, Iron & Steel Products, Electrical Equipment, Machinery and Equipment, and Furniture.

The performance of LSM is a key indicator of the overall health of the industrial sector and is assessed monthly through the Quantum Index of Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (QIM).

Historically, LSM dominates the manufacturing sector of GDP, accounting for around 69% of manufacturing, a sub-component of Industry, and about 8% of the overall GDP.

Economic activity began to rebound in the second half of FY24.

However, global demand slump, currency devaluation, and a widening current account deficit severely limited the government's flexibility, particularly in maintaining fiscal discipline amidst stringent financial conditions.

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