India’s manufacturing activity surged in August to its fastest pace since 2008, supported by strong domestic demand, export frontloading, and public infrastructure spending. Core sector output also rose at its sharpest pace in 13 months, signaling industrial resilience despite global uncertainties.

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• Manufacturing PMI rose to 59.3 in August, highest since 2008
• PMI up from 59.1 in July, above 50 indicates expansion
• Strongest growth seen in intermediate goods, then capital, consumer goods
• Core sector output rose 6.3% annually, 13-month high
• Coal output up 11.4%, steel up 14.2%, major drivers
• Fertilizers and refinery products also supported growth
• Crude oil and natural gas still contracting, but slower pace
• US tariff threat pushed exporters to frontload shipments in August
• Public capex boosted demand in steel, cement, electricity, coal
• Sustainability depends on post-monsoon construction, fertilizer demand, trade negotiations