The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for Swedish manufacturing rose in August to 55.3 from 54.4 in July. This marks a new high for 2025 and is above the historical average (54.3) for the first time since spring 2022.
– Following the slowdown in June, the growth rate in the manufacturing sector has picked up again, while positive economic signals have emerged from several European countries. Reduced uncertainty surrounding global trade policy following this summer’s trade agreement with the U.S. may also have contributed to the upturn, notes Jörgen Kennemar, head of Purchasing Managers’ Index analysis at Swedbank.
Business Volume accounted for the largest positive contribution to the rise in the overall PMI, followed by order flowg, delivery times and employmentg while purchasing inventory drove the index down. The index for suppliers’ raw material and input prices rose from 50.1 in July to 50.9 in August. This is the fifth consecutive month that the index has remained just above the 50-point mark.
“We are seeing continued subdued price pressure in the industrial sector, driven by the strengthening of the krona and moderate increases in commodity prices, although higher U.S. trade tariffs may drive up companies’ costs in the long run,” says Jörgen Kennemar.
