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PMIs Add To Evidence That Supply Chain Pressures Are Easing

GLOBAL
MNI (London)

Supply chain pressures eased again globally in August, whilst inventories remain historically high as demand falters, according to the latest round of global manufacturing PMIs. Although indications of slowing demand highlights global recession risks, easing in supply-driven inflation will come as welcome news for central banks as it will relieve upside pressure on inflation.

  • A slowdown in client demandhas relieved pressure on manufacturing bottlenecks. Although production activity remained relatively buoyant in August, this reflected a reduction of backlogs last month as manufacturers worked through existing orders rather than new ones. So to an extent, elevated production readings masked waning final demand.
  • A reduction in elevated inventory levels will translate into downwards price pressure going forward. Firms will find themselves forced to engage in lowering prices on existing inventory in order to move products.
  • The easing trend in overall supply chain bottlenecks is set to continue. The NY Fed Global Supply Chain Index (which in part incorporates supply chain-related compoents from PMI surveys) has been easing since its December 2021 peak and while still elevated on a historic basis, remains set to continue this trajectory.
  • Further Chinese lockdowns and sanctions on trade with Russia continue to pose risks to supply chains headed into year-end.

Source: MNI / Bloomberg / S&P Global / NY Fed

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