Philippine manufacturing output accelerated in May this year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries released Tuesday showed that the value of production index (VaPI) went up by 4.5 percent in May, higher than the 4.3 percent expansion seen in April.

The VaPI growth during the month was also up from the 3.3 percent growth recorded in May last year.

“The acceleration in the annual rate of VaPI for manufacturing in May 2025 was mainly attributed to the faster annual increase in the manufacture of food products at 16.4 percent during the month from 11.9 percent in the previous month,” the PSA said.

The slower decline in the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products at 13 percent from a decline of 23.3 percent the previous month, also contributed to the faster increase in VaPI in May.

The volume of production index (VoPI), meanwhile, also grew at a faster pace of 4.9 percent from 4.3 percent in April this year and 4.2 percent in May 2024.

The PSA said the acceleration in VoPI growth was due to the faster increase in the manufacture of food products and transport equipment, and the slower decline of chemicals and chemical products.

Based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing section was at 76.9 percent, up from 76.7 percent in May.

“All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60 percent during the month,” the PSA said.

The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products at 86.4 percent, manufacture of tobacco products at 83.9 percent, and manufacture of leather and related products, including footwear at 82.7 percent. (PNA)