Manufacturing activity in India decreased to a 12-month low in December amid weaker factory orders and production.
The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recorded a figure of 56.4, slightly down from 56.5 in November but indicative of continued growth.
Growth rates for new orders hit their slowest pace of the year, signaling potential challenges for future production.
Despite the slowdown, manufacturing employment rose for the tenth consecutive month, with job creation rates peaking in four months.
Looking forward to 2025, manufacturers express optimism about future output, tempered by concerns regarding inflation and competitive pressures.