The Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector in Pakistan recorded a decline of 0.64% during the first four months (July-October) of 2024-25 compared to the same period last year, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). However, in October 2024, the LSMI output increased slightly by 0.02% year-on-year but declined by 2.24% compared to September 2024.
The LSMI Quantum Index Number (QIM) for October 2024 was 109.10, while for July-October 2024-25, it stood at 109.63, based on 2015-16 as the base year. The primary contributors to the -0.64% growth included declines in cement (-0.76%), iron and steel (-0.63%), electrical equipment (-0.71%), machinery (-0.31%), and furniture (-2.39%).
Sectors showing growth in July-October 2024-25 included food (2.22%), tobacco (33.01%), textiles (2.60%), wearing apparel (16.09%), and automobiles (42.86%). Conversely, declines were observed in rubber products (-3.39%), non-metallic minerals (-15.05%), iron and steel (-12.42%), electrical equipment (-21.38%), and machinery (-51.75%).
Petroleum products rose 1.33%, with high-speed diesel output increasing by 3.31% to 1.81 billion litres during July-October 2024-25 compared to 1.75 billion litres in the same period last year. However, petroleum production dropped sharply on a month-on-month basis.
