The Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector in Pakistan recorded a contraction of 0.64% during the first four months (July-October) of the fiscal year 2024-25 compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
For October 2024, the LSM output showed a marginal increase of 0.02% compared to October 2023 but declined by 2.24% when compared to September 2024. The PBS developed the provisional quantum indices of Large-Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) for October 2024 using data from key agencies, including the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Ministry of Commerce, and provincial Bureaus of Statistics (BoS).
The quantum index number (QIM) for October 2024 was estimated at 109.10, while the QIM for the July-October 2024-25 period stood at 109.63, based on the 2015-16 base year.
Sectoral Performance
The main contributors to the overall decline of -0.64% in the LSM sector were:
- Cement (-0.76%)
- Iron & Steel Products (-0.63%)
- Electrical Equipment (-0.71%)
- Machinery and Equipment (-0.31%)
- Furniture (-2.39%)
On the other hand, some sectors showed positive growth during the period, including:
- Food (+0.28%)
- Tobacco (+0.41%)
- Textile (+0.45%)
- Garments (+2.44%)
- Petroleum Products (+0.09%)
- Automobiles (+0.69%)
Year-on-Year Comparison
The PBS report highlighted that production increased in sectors such as food, tobacco, textile, wearing apparel, coke and petroleum products, automobiles, and other transport equipment during July-October 2024-25 compared to the same period in 2023-24. However, declines were observed in rubber products, non-metallic mineral products, electrical equipment, machinery and equipment, iron & steel products, and furniture.
