Overview
- Flash purchasing managers’ surveys published Thursday, where readings above 50 signal growth, showed India’s composite at 58.3, Japan’s manufacturing at 54.9, and Australia back to 50.1.
- S&P Global said some Japanese factories raised output to get ahead of possible shortages tied to the Middle East conflict.
- Firms reported longer delivery times and higher fuel and freight bills, and many built buffer stocks to protect against supply shocks.
- Price pressures intensified, with Australia’s input costs at the highest since August 2022 and Japan’s selling price inflation at a survey record.
- Demand signs split as manufacturers reported stronger export orders, services exports weakened, business confidence slipped, and India’s hiring rose to a 10‑month high.