The influx of new orders has been growing for 13 consecutive months. Moreover, this growth rate has become the most rapid, surpassing the figures from January. Companies have noted an improvement in demand and a positive impact from advertising campaigns.
New contracts have led to an increase in production volume. This, in turn, has encouraged companies to expand their workforce. However, the rate of employment growth has decreased to its lowest level in nine months. As a result, the share of unfulfilled orders is rising. The current increase in this index has become the most pronounced in a year.
In February, there was also a further rise in purchasing activity, although the growth rate of this indicator has dropped to its lowest level in four months. Delivery times have slightly increased due to logistical disruptions.
About 54% of respondents forecasted an increase in production volumes in the coming year. This is the highest level of optimism recorded in the past eight months.
In February, the rate of price growth for resources accelerated for the fourth consecutive month, becoming the fastest in the past two years. The inflationary pressure was fueled by rising prices for raw materials, energy carriers, and transportation amid the depreciation of the tenge against the Russian ruble.
Producers, in turn, have raised their selling prices for the 18th month in a row. The growth rate has been the most significant since September of last year.