Brazil’s Manufacturing Slump Eases as S&P Global PMI Rises to 46.1 in October

Brazil’s factory sector showed signs of a mild recovery in October 2026, as the S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 46.1 from 44.8 in September. While the index remained below the 50.0 threshold that separates contraction from expansion, the latest reading points to a slower pace of decline in industrial activity.

The improvement suggests that the sharp weakness seen in September may be stabilizing, although conditions in the manufacturing sector are still challenging. The October figure, updated on 3 November 2026, indicates that output and orders are likely still under pressure, but the uptick could signal the first steps toward a more sustained recovery if the trend continues in the coming months.

With the PMI staying in contraction territory, businesses and policymakers will be watching closely to see whether October’s gain represents a short-term correction or the beginning of a broader turnaround in Brazil’s manufacturing cycle.