The large-scale manufacturing (LSM) sector may finally be turning the corner. In FY26, LSM expanded by approximately 6.5 per cent after contracting in the preceding year. The improvement was broad, though uneven: 16 out of total 22 major industrial groups recorded growth, while six contracted.
The strongest rebound came from automobiles and transport, which registered an impressive 61.6pc increase. Passenger-car production rose by more than 51pc, while truck sales jumped by 87.8pc. Electric vehicles also added to the momentum. Rubber products, benefiting from demand from auto assemblers and the local replacement market, grew by 14.3pc.
Electrical equipment expanded by 11.9pc, reflecting increased demand for construction and industrial power equipment. Tobacco production rose by 11.7pc, while coke and petroleum products advanced by 10.9pc, supported by higher domestic consumption of petrol and high-speed diesel.
Food and beverages also made a useful contribution. Food production increased by 9.8pc, led chiefly by wheat and rice milling and cooking oil, while beverages grew by 7.7pc. Non-metallic minerals advanced by 8.2pc, with cement production rising by 9.1pc as construction activity picked up.
