Headline inflation as measured by the year-on- year change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI, 2013=100)1 increased to 2.4 per cent in February 2019 from 1.2 per cent in January 2019 mainly due to the base effect. Meanwhile, year-on-year Non-food inflation increased to 6.7 per cent in February 2019 from 6.5 per cent in January 2019 while Food inflation also increased to -2.9 per cent in February 2019 from -4.8 per cent in January 2019.

Manufacturing activities increased at a slower rate in February 2019 compared to January 2019, mainly driven by the decrease in new orders and production, especially in manufacturing of textiles, wearing apparels, leather and related activities. This decline was mainly due to the lesser number of working days in February. Stock of purchases also decreased during the month in line with the decrease in new orders and production.

However, a slight improvement in employment was experienced with the recruitment of new employees to enhance business activities for upcoming seasonal demand. Meanwhile, suppliers’ delivery time lengthened at a slower rate. Logistical issues experienced at the beginning of February and supply disruptions due to Chinese new year holiday season have lengthened the suppliers’ delivery time. All sub-indices apart from new orders and production, recorded values above the neutral 50.0 threshold.