Positive signals from the manufacturing sector in May 2026.

VTV.vn - The rebound in new orders and purchasing activity has pushed Vietnam's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index™ (PMI®) in May 2026 up to 52.8, compared to 50.5 in the previous month.

New orders improved sharply in May 2026, pushing the manufacturing PMI to 52.8 points for the month.

Positive information regarding production activities and new orders in Vietnam's manufacturing sector is detailed in a report released by S&P Global on the morning of June 1st.

The report indicates that a rebound in new orders in May helped boost Vietnam's manufacturing sector growth by mid-Q2 2026.

Specifically, Vietnam's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index™ (PMI®) rose to 52.8 in May, up from 50.5 in April. This is also the highest level since February this year, coinciding with 11 consecutive months of improving business conditions.

"The increase in new orders reflects rising safety stock levels among customers and concerns about the impact of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East," the report explains.

A rebound in new export orders was also recorded, ending a two-month decline. However, the increase was modest amid high freight costs and logistical issues that have limited demand in international markets.

Alongside the improvement in export orders, the rate of increase in input costs continues to accelerate, directly impacted by rising fuel, oil, and transportation prices.

Rising fuel and transportation costs, coupled with logistical challenges, are prolonging supplier delivery times. These extended delivery times are leading to further declines in purchased inventory.

The S&P Global report also reflects confidence in the production outlook for next year based on hopes of increased new orders and business expansion plans. However, business sentiment remains low, reflecting concerns about the long-term impact of the Middle East conflict.

Andrew Harker, Director of Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, commented: “On the surface, Vietnam’s manufacturing PMI shows positive signs as new orders rebounded in May, leading to a similarly significant increase in output.”

The overall PMI reached its highest level since just before the outbreak of war in the Middle East, leading Andrew Harker to suggest caution, as at least part of the May growth was due to stockpiling efforts caused by the disruptions of the Middle East conflict, thus raising doubts about the sustainability of this increase.

In fact, manufacturers continue to face upward price pressure, as input costs continue to rise due to geopolitical uncertainties. Accordingly, S&P Global representatives noted that how events unfold elsewhere in the world continues to be a key factor determining the performance of the manufacturing sector in the coming months.

Source: https://money.vtv.vn/tin-hieu-tich-cuc-tu-nganh-san-xuat-thang-5-2026-109260601183551646.htm