PMI index of Russian manufacturing industries grows slightly to 49.9 points in Oct from 49.8 in Sept - S&P Global

MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) - The PMI index of Russia's manufacturing industries was at 49.9 points in October 2026, up from 49.8 points in September, S&P Global said in a study.

Operating conditions in the sector remained practically unchanged in the month.

A PMI index above 50 indicates a growth in business activity, while a result below 50 points to a decline.

The decline in new orders continued in October for the third consecutive month. Survey respondents said that higher competition, weak demand and a decrease in clients' purchasing power had limited new sales. They also reported a further decline in new export sales, which fell at the fastest rate since May 2022. Production volumes also decreased, though at an insignificant rate.

Amid the decline in new orders, companies also reduced the volume of uncompleted orders - for the 21st consecutive month.

Amid weak capacity utilization, companies cut staff numbers in October. The rate of decline was the slowest since the beginning of this year.

Purchasing activity in the sector fell drastically in the last month, as companies completed orders using supplies which they already had available.

Costs rose substantially once again, as the cost of raw materials grew and suppliers increased prices, though the rate of cost inflation was the lowest of the past seven months. Taking into account competition, output charges grew at their slowest rate since April.

Business confidence grew for the third consecutive month to reach its highest since June, although it remained moderate overall. Just over 25% of respondents were optimistic about prospects for growing production, expressing hope that the market situation would stabilize and thus help them to attract new clients.