The latest figures are in: Hungary’s trade surplus and PMI

The seasonally adjusted Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 49.8 points in January, with Hungary posting a trade surplus of €387 million in December. Details below:
Hungary PMI slips under 50-point threshold in January
Hungary’s seasonally-adjusted Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) stood at 49.8 points in January, edging down from 50.6 in the previous month, the Hungarian Association of Logistics, Purchasing and Inventory Management (Halpim) said on Monday.
The PMI slipped under the 50-point threshold that signals expansion in the manufacturing sector. Among the PMI sub-indices, the new orders index rose and was over the 50-point mark. The production volume index fell but still indicated expansion. The employment index rose but continued to show a contraction. The delivery times index fell. The gauge of purchased inventories dropped and was under the 50-point mark.
Hungary trade surplus reaches EUR 387m in December
Hungary had a EUR 387m trade surplus in December, a first reading of data released by the Central Statistics Office (KSH) on Monday shows.
Exports edged down 0.5pc year-on-year to EUR 10.231bn. Imports dropped 7.0pc to EUR 9.844bn. Trade with other European Union member states accounted for 74pc of Hungary’s exports and 72pc of its monthly imports. For the entire calendar year, Hungary had a trade surplus of EUR 11.574bn. Exports fell 3.6pc to EUR 144.217bn and imports declined 5.7pc to EUR 132.643bn.
As we wrote today, the Key supplier to Paks II was involved in corruption back home in Russia, guest workers face mass layoffs, details HERE.
A PMI reading at 49.8 indicates contraction. It only indicates expansion if explained by Fidesz officials.
“The headline PMI is a number from 0 to 100. A PMI above 50 represents an expansion when compared with the previous month. A PMI reading under 50 represents a contraction while a reading at 50 indicates no change. The further away from 50, the greater the level of change.”
“…Trade with other European Union member states accounted for 74pc of Hungary’s exports and 72pc of its monthly imports”
Let´s cozy up to Russia, China, etc. – because they are pretty low volume and will not significantly move the needle when it comes to our economy. And the US / BFF Mr. Trump may frown on our Politicians chasing Chinese and Russian “opportunities”… Things will get interesting, very soon!