The Philippines’ manufacturing sector was steady in October as the S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose marginally to 50.1 from 49.9 in September, indicating broadly stable operating conditions after a brief contraction.

Despite the slight rebound, the underlying data pointed to contrasting movements. New orders and export orders both recorded sharper declines, with panellists citing subdued domestic demand, weaker overseas interest, and weather-related disruptions affecting production. Output remained in contraction territory, though the pace of decline eased to only a marginal level, S&P Global said in a press release.

Purchasing activity fell for the first time in nearly two years, ending a 22-month growth streak, while delivery times lengthened to the greatest extent in three months. Yet, manufacturers displayed renewed optimism about future output and increased staffing levels, suggesting confidence in a gradual recovery.

The Philippines’ manufacturing sector stabilised in October, with the S&P Global PMI inching up to 50.1 from 49.9, signalling broadly steady conditions.
Output and new orders remained weak amid sluggish domestic and export demand, while purchasing activity declined for the first time in nearly two years.
Yet, cost pressures eased, staffing rose, and business confidence improved.

On pricing, cost pressures softened further in October, marking the weakest rate of input inflation in three months. Firms that reported higher costs attributed them to rising supplier and material prices.

The October PMI thus reflected a manufacturing sector in balance—holding steady between contraction and expansion—amid challenging demand conditions but improving business sentiment.

“A closer examination of the Philippines PMI data revealed a mixed picture in October. The two largest segments, new orders and output, indicated further declines. Additionally, fresh contractions were observed in new export orders and purchasing activity, highlighting underlying demand conditions,” said Maryam Baluch, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “On a more positive note, manufacturers grew more optimistic about their growth prospects for output in the coming year. Companies also continued increasing their workforce numbers, with the latest rise in staffing numbers the strongest in three months.”

“Furthermore, cost pressures remain subdued and ebbed further, providing manufacturers with some flexibility in price setting. In response, several have opted to reduce their selling prices, in an effort to stimulate demand in a currently subdued market environment,” added Baluch. “The sector has now remained in sluggish territory for most of the second half of 2025 so far. Whether it can see a notable recovery in performance in the coming months will depend greatly on efforts to stimulate consumer demand.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

Barcelona-based brand Desigual is strengthening its ties with the French market. The brand has unveiled a new collaboration with Parisian house Egonlab: a capsule that fuses creative rebellion with the Catalan brand’s signature optimism. The collection, available from November 6 on Desigual’s e-commerce platform and in select stores, brings together the design codes of both brands- defined by a contemporary, audacious aesthetic- for a proposition that further unites Barcelona and Paris.

The capsule has been conceived with a bold outlook, striking a balance between tradition and modernity. Inspired by Egonlab’s signature dualities- masculine and feminine, urban and artisanal- the collection includes pieces such as denim, dresses, jumpers, long coats, trench coats, and a knitted scarf. Prices range from €49.95 for a short-sleeved T-shirt to €699 for a leather jacket with a Mandarin collar.

“Collaborating with Egonlab reflects Desigual’s commitment to continuing to work with international talent whose vision resonates with new generations and supports the brand’s evolution towards a more premium, contemporary positioning,” explained the brand’s product director, Fernanda Blasco. As part of this strategy, Desigual has recently collaborated with cutting-edge names such as New York designer Tyler McGillivary and the brand founded by Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh, Botter.

This partnership strengthens Desigual’s ties with France- one of its key markets- and bolsters its international positioning. Underscoring the importance of this relationship, the collection was unveiled on November 5 at an event held at the brand’s store at 3 Rue des Rosiers in Paris. As part of its commitment to the French market, the brand has also recently joined forces with creators such as Christian Lacroix and Alphonse Maitrepierre.

Founded by Thomas Meyer in 1984 and based in Barcelona, Desigual currently operates more than 280 company-owned stores and has a presence in 107 markets across ten sales channels. In its 2024 financial year, the firm achieved a turnover of €332 million, driven by growth in the online channel and rising international sales.

Egonlab was founded in 2019 by Florentin Glémarec and Kévin Nompeix. Based in Paris, the brand is known for its irreverent spirit, rooted in freedom of expression and fluidity, with creations that bring an eco-responsible approach and a contemporary take on classic fashion codes.