Dhaka, September 9: Bangladesh’s economy continued to expand in August but at a slower pace for the 11th consecutive month, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data released jointly by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Dhaka and Policy Exchange Bangladesh.
The PMI fell 3.2 points to 58.3 in August from July, signaling moderation in economic growth, even though the reading remains above the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction.
Key Highlights from the PMI Report
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11 months of growth: Despite the slowdown, Bangladesh has maintained continuous economic expansion for nearly a year.
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Manufacturing stays strong: The manufacturing sector expanded for the 12th straight month, supported by new orders, production, exports, and imports.
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Agriculture and construction contract: Both sectors saw declines, dragging on overall growth.
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Employment weakens: Jobs shrank for the third consecutive month, though at a slower pace compared to July.
Economists say the latest data points to a mixed economic outlook for Bangladesh. While the manufacturing and export sectors remain robust, agriculture, construction, and employment trends highlight vulnerabilities in the broader economy.
With global demand fluctuations and domestic inflationary pressures, policymakers may need to support labor markets while sustaining industrial growth.