ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing (LSM) output declined by 0.98% year-on-year in May 2026, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

On a month-on-month basis, however, industrial production increased by 1.21% compared with April 2026.

The PBS said overall LSM output grew by 5.77% during the July-May period of the 2025-26 fiscal year compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The automobile sector remained one of the strongest performers, recording a 20.81% increase in production in May, while cumulative output surged by 58.82% during the first 11 months of the fiscal year.

Sugar production increased by 23.25% year-on-year in May and rose by 31.54% during the July-May period. Petroleum products also posted strong growth, with production rising by 15.75% in May, while garment production increased by 7.05% compared with the previous month.

Despite the overall growth recorded during the fiscal year, several key industries witnessed a decline in output during May. Iron and steel production fell by 12.57%, while cement production declined by 9.36% on a month-on-month basis.

Fertiliser production also dropped by 4.77% during the month. The PBS further reported lower output in several segments of the pharmaceutical, chemical and textile industries.