August PMI Indicates Slight Contraction

The seasonally adjusted Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for August was 48.9. Compared to previous August values, this year's value is lower than the long-term monthly average (52.5), but exceeds the average of the previous three years' monthly values (48.8), according to a statement sent to MTI on Monday by the Hungarian Logistics, Purchasing and Inventory Management Association (MLBKT).

The August 2025 PMI index fell compared to July's value of 50.5 points. The seasonally adjusted PMI index value measured now is the fourth lowest monthly value.

Most of the sub-indices examined in the survey declined. Four of the individual indices are in the recovery range.

In August, respondents reported a slight decline in manufacturing compared to the previous month. This is the second time in the summer months of 2025 that a slowdown in manufacturing has been observed.

Most of the indices also declined. The new orders index fell by 4.3 percentage points, showing a contraction. Production volume increased, with the index value 0.7 percentage points lower than in the previous month.

The employment index is again below 50.0 points, falling by 2.1 percentage points to 48 points. The delivery time index is again below 50.0, falling by 3.6 percentage points this month.

The index value for purchased stocks fell by 1.0 percentage points but continues to show growth. Among the foreign market indicators, the import index fell by 3.4 percentage points and the export index by 1.1 percentage points.

Purchase prices rose, with the index increasing by 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month. The purchase volume index rose by 0.4 percentage points, indicating a measured increase in the index. The finished goods inventory index fell by 2.4 percentage points.