Bangladesh economic activity contracts in September

Bangladesh’s economic activity contracted in September as its Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell 1.3 points to 48.6, with manufacturing, construction, and services weakening, according to a report released Thursday.

Manufacturing registered 44.8, down 2.6 points, while construction returned to contraction at 48.5 after expanding in August. Services remained in contraction for a second month at 49.0.

Agriculture was the only expanding sector, recording 55.2 and its 13th consecutive month of growth, despite slowing from August.

The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry released the findings, The Business Standard reported.

Manufacturers reported faster declines in new orders, export orders, and output, although employment returned to marginal expansion.

The report called for stronger demand, reliable energy supplies, easier financing, and lower cost pressures. Its future business index suggested expansion across all four sectors.