Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector in April experienced expanded output and a better new orders outcome, according to the monthly S&P Global Kazakhstan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI).

The PMI was recorded at 51.5, above the 50.0 no-change mark, very slightly edging down from March’s 51.6.

S&P said the PMI survey detected a modest improvement in business conditions, despite April's overall rate of expansion reflecting a fractional easing month on month. The easing was partly due to effects of the disastrous prolonged flooding in the western and northern parts of the country. Despite this backdrop, some firms successfully secured new business. This was attributed in part to competitive pricing strategies, as enterprises maintained selling prices despite significant rises in input costs.

Moreover, business confidence remained high. That supported ongoing enhancements in employment and purchasing activity. Notably, there was a sharp accumulation of stocks of purchases. They grew to one of the highest recorded levels.

Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: "The Kazakhstan manufacturing sector remained in growth mode during April as flooding in the country acted to limit rather than prevent further expansions in output and new orders. In some cases, however, competitive pricing was needed in order to secure sales.”

“Optimism around the future path of output gave firms the optimism to continue expanding workforce numbers and purchasing activity as they looked to prepare for further rises in workloads ahead,” he added.