Mosambik - Einkaufsmanagerindex Composite

The Standard Bank Mozambique PMI increased to 50.7 in November 2019 from 50.3 in October, still pointing to the second-weakest expansion in the country's private sector in seven months. Output rose slightly, following the first reduction in 15 months in the previous month and new orders growth remained subdued despite accelerating slightly from October. Meantime, the rate of job creation was the fastest in eight months and the second-quickest in nearly two-and- a-half years which helped backlogs of work to decline further. On the price front, cost burdens increased at a softer and moderate pace, while output prices dropped for the second month running. Looking ahead, business sentiment hit an 8-month high, as companies believed they were well-positioned to expand the company.

The Standard Bank Mozambique PMI declined to 50.3 in October 2019 from 51.1 in August, pointing to the weakest expansion in the country's private sector since April. Output fell for the first time in 15 months and new orders growth weakened to a 16-month low, amid reports of a lack or raw materials and also subdued market conditions linked to the national election. Meantime, employment increased at a marginal pace that was the weakest in 6 months. Meanwhile, backlogs were cleared at the sharpest rate since July 2018. On the price front, cost burdens increased solidly, while output prices fell at the fastest pace on record. Looking ahead, business sentiment remained positive, as companies expected an increase in output amid new marketing strategies, products and branch opening.

The Standard Bank Mozambique PMI declined to 51.1 in September 2019 from 51.8 in August. The reading pointed to the weakest expansion in the country's private sector since April, as output rose further but only fractionally, marking the weakest upturn since output began to rise just over a year ago. Meantime, new orders grew solidly, and broadly in line with that seen in August. Employment also increased, albeit at a modest pace, due to greater pressure on staff salaries. Meanwhile, backlogs declined for the third straight month, although the latest reduction was marginal. On the price front, input prices increased due to higher demand for raw materials while output prices were unchanged. Looking ahead, confidence rose notably, as companies expect that business development and economic growth would improve in the next 12 months, despite the recent slowdown.

The Standard Bank Mozambique PMI declined to 51.8 in August 2019 from 52.8 in July. The reading pointed to the weakest expansion in the country's private sector since April, as output and new order grew at softer rate. Employment also increased, albeit at a modest pace that was slightly softer than in the previous three months. Meantime, backlogs declined for the second straight month, due to weaker new order growth. On the prices front, input prices increased at one of the slowest paces in the series history, due to a subdued uptick in purchasing costs. Meantime, output prices continued to rise solidly, although the rate of inflation slowed from July's recent high. Looking ahead, confidence remained positive.

The Standard Bank Mozambique PMI rose to 52.8 in July 2019 from 52 in June. The reading pointed to the strongest expansion in the country's private sector since November 2015. Output and new order growth hit 21-month highs, with new contracts and shop openings as well as an improvement in weather conditions pointed as main factors. Employment also increased, albeit at a modest pace that was slightly softer than in the previous two months. Meantime, purchasing activity was up sharply in July, with firms raising input buying at the strongest rate in the year-to-date. Regarding prices, inflated input costs led companies to raise selling prices at a solid rate. Moreover, the rate of inflation was the quickest recorded since March 2018. Looking ahead, future sentiment weakened to near three-year low.

The Standard Bank Mozambique PMI dropped to 52 in June 2019 from 52.3 in a month earlier, though marking the second-strongest expansion for 21 months. New orders growth was solid but eased slightly from May's recent peak while output expanded further, amid reports of stronger sales activity and improving weather conditions. Meantime, employment rose modestly, extending the current sequence of growth to six months. Also, input buying went up further, following a drop in stock levels for the second straight month. Regarding prices, input costs continued to increase, despite the drop in purchasing costs for first time in over a year. Still, businesses raised their selling charges. Looking ahead, sentiment remained optimistic.