Overview
The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI eased to 55.7 in December 2025 from 56.6 in November, marking the weakest improvement in manufacturing conditions since December 2023, according to preliminary estimates. The reading indicates that 50% US tariffs continue to weigh on labor-intensive sectors. Factory output rose sharply but slowed to a ten-month low, alongside softer growth in new orders. Export demand strengthened, with new export orders climbing to a three-month high. Employment increased marginally, reflecting sufficient staffing amid easing workloads. Input cost inflation remained muted, rising modestly, while output price inflation eased for a second consecutive month to its weakest level since March. Stocks of purchases grew more slowly, and supplier delivery times shortened further. Business confidence edged up slightly from November, though overall sentiment remained subdued compared with earlier in the year.