The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) posted 52.5 points in May, after climbing to a record high of 53.1 the previous month.
The survey, which tracks manufacturing growth, began in April 2011
and bases its numbers on new orders, output, employment, supplier
delivery times, and stocks of items purchased.
Vietnam's PMI index has remained above the no-change mark of 50 for
eight consecutive months, indicating a steady expansion of
manufacturing.
New orders (including exports) rose in May, but slightly less than in April.
Panelists reported that the new tonnage rules had some effect on
manufacturing as they require suppliers to make more journeys to deliver
the same amount of goods.
Many new highway weigh stations were put into operation in the middle of April to put a stop to rampant overloading.
Delivery times lagged to the greatest extent in the survey's history; manufacturing costs rose as a result.
But most manufacturers said they have maintained or even reduced their prices to stimulate demand.
In its regular commentary on the PMI report, Trinh Nguyen, Asia
Economist at HSBC, said the added shipping cost is a real concern as it
“comes at a time when exporters already incur high logistical costs.”
Nguyen said profit margins are being squeezed but weak domestic
demand puts manufacturers in the untenable position of having to raise
costs.
“We expect the State Bank of Vietnam to keep rates steady to support domestic demand.”