Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Asia and U.S. Factories Gain in January as Export Orders Strengthen

Private PMIs signal a fragile, export-led upturn with rising input costs plus policy frictions squeezing margins.

Overview

  • Japan’s manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5, the strongest since August 2022, and South Korea climbed to 51.2, with firms citing export demand tied to autos and semiconductors.
  • China’s private manufacturing PMI edged up to 50.3 on firmer export orders, contrasting with the official survey’s contraction; producers raised output prices as input costs increased.
  • The U.S. ISM manufacturing index returned to growth at 52.6 with new orders jumping to 57.1, while tariffs contributed to slower supplier deliveries and elevated prices paid.
  • Euro zone manufacturing stayed in contraction at 49.5 even as output nudged to 50.5, with France and Greece expanding and Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria still shrinking.
  • Broader signs of stabilization included the UK at 51.8 and Canada at 50.4, yet surveys highlighted faster input-cost inflation and constrained pricing power across regions.