India's manufacturing PMI at 54.2 in June as sector continues to expand

New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) India's manufacturing PMI stood at 54.2 in June, signalling continued expansion in the sector, according to the HSBC Flash India PMI data released on Wednesday.

The seasonally adjusted PMI remained comfortably above the 50-mark that separates expansion from contraction, indicating a sustained improvement in operating conditions across the manufacturing sector.

According to the data, the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) came at 54.2, although the pace of growth moderated from the previous month.

According to the PMI data, growth in new orders and output slowed during the month. While several manufacturers reported an improvement in demand, others cited subdued client appetite and market competition.

Meanwhile, export demand also remained positive during the month, although the pace of growth moderated.

Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC, said the June PMI signalled continued expansion in manufacturing activity.

"The moderation suggests demand has cooled slightly after the earlier surge linked to the Middle East conflict. Growth slowed across output, new orders, export orders and employment, while both the input and output price indices declined, pointing to softer inflationary pressures as geopolitical disruptions begin receding," she said.