Bangladesh’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 62.2 in November, marking a 6.5 percentage point increase from October, according to an unofficial estimate by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB).

The surge highlights strong growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and services despite a contraction in the construction sector.

The PMI report, released on December 7, shows agriculture achieving robust expansion for the second month, with improved new business and activity indexes. Manufacturing extended its growth streak, driven by increases in new orders, exports, factory output, and input purchases.

Notably, manufacturing posted its first employment growth alongside gains in imports and supplier deliveries.

Construction, however, slipped back into contraction, with declines in input costs and order backlogs, although slight gains were noted in new business, activity, and employment.

The PMI, supported by the UK Government and developed with input from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management, is a vital indicator for policymakers and investors tracking Bangladesh’s economic health.