Overview
- INDEC reported industry operating at 61% of installed capacity in October 2025, down from 63% a year earlier, marking a second straight month above 60% after September’s 61.1%.
- Textile utilization fell to 32.5% from 47.8% in October 2024, driven by sharp drops in cotton‑yarn production (−34.7%) and fabric manufacturing (−34.1%).
- Paper and cardboard use declined to 62.3% from 72.9%, with reduced packaging output highlighted as a gauge of weaker consumption and logistics activity.
- Rubber and plastics fell to 42.6% from 48.9% because of lower output of plastic manufactures and tires, underscoring broad sectoral weakness.
- Automotive utilization eased to 56.1% from 61.2% due to fewer units produced by terminals, and analysts question the sector’s ability to regain momentum by year‑end.