强在中游，弱在建筑——3月PMI数据点评

Core Viewpoint - The manufacturing PMI has shown a slight recovery, indicating a mixed economic outlook with strengths in the manufacturing sector and weaknesses in the construction industry [2][4][5]. Group 1: PMI Data Overview - The manufacturing PMI for March is reported at 50.5%, an increase from the previous value of 50.2% [2][16]. - The production index stands at 52.6%, up by 0.1 percentage points from 52.5% [16]. - The new orders index has risen to 51.8% from 51.1%, while the new export orders index is at 49.0%, slightly up from 48.6% [16]. - The employment index is at 48.2%, down from 48.6%, indicating a contraction in employment [16]. - The supplier delivery time index is at 50.3%, down from 51.0%, and the raw material inventory index is at 47.2%, slightly up from 47.0% [16]. Group 2: Sector Performance - The construction sector's PMI is at 53.4%, down from 56.2% year-on-year, indicating a slowdown [5][10]. - The construction employment index has dropped to 41.4% from 45.6%, reflecting a significant decline in workforce [10]. - The new orders index for construction is at 43.5%, down from 46.8%, highlighting ongoing demand concerns [10]. - The basic raw materials PMI is at 49.3%, down from 49.8%, influenced by the weak construction sector [10]. Group 3: Economic Assessment - The comprehensive PMI index for Q1 is at 50.9%, higher than Q4 2023 and Q3 2024, but lower than Q4 2024 and Q1-Q2 2024 [3][13]. - The manufacturing sector shows strength, particularly in the midstream equipment manufacturing, with a PMI of 52% [4][9]. - The EPMI index for March is reported at 59.6%, indicating robust performance in the equipment manufacturing sector [4][9].