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The composite PMI remained at 50.5 in April 2026, marking the tenth consecutive month of improvement in business conditions. However, the reading was down from 51.2 in March and reached the lowest level in seven months.
S&P Global specialists said the negative movement was primarily driven by input costs rising at the fastest pace since April 2011.
The report highlighted that production costs surged, particularly for fuel and oil, placing pressure on both demand and supply. As a direct result, the index for new orders declined for the first time in eight months.
Export orders faced even greater difficulties, with the index falling sharply for the second month in a row due to higher international freight costs.
To cope with rising input costs, producers raised output prices at the fastest rate in 15 years to cover costs.
Production continued to grow for the 12th consecutive month, supported by ongoing projects. However, the pace of growth slowed to the weakest in ten months.
Global market uncertainty and conflicts in the Middle East contributed to supply shortages and significantly longer delivery times from suppliers. Supplier performance deteriorated to the greatest extent in 4.5 years.
Business sentiment among Vietnamese manufacturers fell to its lowest level since September last year and below the index’s historical average.
According to Andrew Harker, Chief Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, if price and supply conditions do not improve soon, production could slip into contraction in the coming months. He added that firms remain hopeful for a market rebound and expect output to grow again next year as market conditions stabilize.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
