Slowing momentum in manufacturing – BMI fell to 51 points in October

The current figure is lower than the long-term October average (52.3), but it is higher than the average for this month of the past three years (50.3). Of the five main components of the index, eight sub-indices indicated expansion, indicating a general stabilization of the sector.

The production volume and new orders both decreased, but continue to point to growth. The employment, however, rose above 50 points, to 50.8, indicating renewed expansion after previous stagnation. The import index increased by 4 percentage points, while the export index fell by 1.7 points, reflecting fluctuations in external markets.

purchase prices decreased slightly, but the current value is the second lowest October figure since 1995, indicating the easing pressure on the global raw materials market. According to company reports, prices have increased for, for example, aluminum, copper, paint and plastic, while decreases have been reported for steel, cooking oil and corn.

According to MLBKT experts, the recovery in the manufacturing industry is still fragile, with the slowdown in orders and uncertainty in international demand continuing to slow growth. At the same time, purchasing decisions indicate that companies are looking ahead to the coming months cautiously, but with positive expectations.

Source: Hungarian Logistics, Purchasing and Inventory Management Company – Business Report, November 3, 2025.