India’s factory activity hits 7-month low as Covid lockdowns return

India's factory output has slowed to a 7-month low in the wake of fresh Covid-19 lockdowns in different states including Maharashtra. Output also grew at its weakest pace in seven months.

India's factory activity grew at its weakest pace in seven months in March as renewed lockdowns to curtail a resurgence in COVID-19 cases dampened domestic demand and output, a private survey showed, forcing firms to cut headcount again. Last week, the Indian government advised federal states to try and control the rapid spread of the virus. Tighter restrictions on activity suggest factories could be in for a tough April. The Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by IHS Markit, declined to a seven-month low of 55.4 last month from February's 57.5, but remained above the 50-level separating growth from contraction for an eighth straight month.