Bangladesh PMI inches higher in december amid mixed sector trends
The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI), and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB) have released the Bangladesh Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for December, on 7 January 2026, indicating a marginal improvement in overall economic activity.
Bangladesh's overall PMI rose by 0.2 points from November to 54.2 in December, signalling a slightly faster pace of expansion. The improvement was driven by continued growth in the agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors.
The agriculture sector recorded its fourth consecutive month of expansion, supported by stronger growth in new business, business activity, employment, and input costs, although order backlogs contracted at a faster rate.
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The manufacturing sector remained in expansion for the 16th consecutive month, although growth slowed slightly. Expansion was recorded in new orders, exports, output, employment, and input prices, while order backlogs continued to contract at a slower pace.
The construction sector returned to marginal contraction after three months of expansion, while the services sector posted its 15th consecutive month of expansion, albeit with mixed performance across indicators.
Business sentiment remained subdued amid political uncertainty, rising costs, and weak sales, although respondents expect gradual improvement from early next year.
The PMI is jointly developed by MCCI and PEB, with support from the UK Government and technical assistance from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM).
