Factory output maintained its growth trajectory last June, though at a slightly slower pace compared to May, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries released Thursday showed that the value of production index (VaPI) rose by 1.8 percent in June this year from 3.1 percent in May.

The VaPI during the month was also lower than the 3.6 percent recorded in June last year.

“The deceleration in the annual rate of VaPI for manufacturing in June 2025 was mainly attributed to the faster annual decline in the manufacture of basic metals at 24 percent during the month from 13.7 percent in the previous month,” the PSA said.

The faster annual decreases in the manufacture of coke (a solid carbon-rich material that is produced during the refining of crude oil) and refined petroleum products at 7.9 percent from 2 percent in May, and manufacture of chemicals and chemical products at 14 percent in June 2025 from 9.1 percent in May 2025 also contributed to the slowdown in VaPI.

The volume of production index (VoPI), meanwhile, grew by 2.2 percent, slower than the 3.4 percent and the 3.8 percent expansion seen in May this year and June last year.

The PSA said the deceleration was due to the faster drop in the manufacture of basic metals at 23.2 percent from 12.5 percent in May.

The faster decline in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, and chemicals and chemical products also contributed to the slowdown in VoPI.

Based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector was at 76.6 percent, down from the 77 percent in May.

“All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60.0 percent during the month,” said the PSA.

The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment at 84.6 percent, manufacture of tobacco products at 81.9 percent, and manufacture of beverages at 81.8 percent. (PNA)