Factories reopened in June, but weak global demand continues to hurt

Singapore

SINGAPORE factories were set to ramp up activity in June as a two-month "circuit breaker" ended, an early sentiment gauge has suggested.

But with end-demand still capped by the novel coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the globe, the manufacturing sector could still face negative territory in the coming months.

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reading for June, which was released on Friday, inched up by 1.2 points from the month prior, to 48.0.

Yet the pace of the recovery in manufacturing sentiment still eased from its 2.1-point increase in May, putting the sector on the track to co…

A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU

Friday, 8.30 am

SGSME

Get updates on Singapore's SME community, along with profiles, news and tips.

Sign Up