- The physical production volume index came in at 46.2 points during September, down from a month earlier. In the same vein, new orders decreased from 49.2 points to almost 48.

- Regarding the factors that hindered companies in September, both the political landscape and the shortage of skilled personnel again topped the list. This time 53% mentioned the first factor, while the second was selected by 36.8%.

Based on the revised figures from CAINTRA's Monthly Survey of Economic Expectations for the month of September, the industrial sector in Nuevo Leon accumulates two months in a contraction zone for the main production variables. However, there was an upturn in companies that invested in machinery and equipment, as well as in employment.

Regarding the indicators, the physical production volume index stood at 46.2 points during September, lower than a month earlier. In the same line, new orders decreased from 49.2 points to almost 48. This means that a greater proportion of companies are facing fewer orders and consequently lower production.

As in the previous data, exports and imports were also below the 50-point threshold and slightly lower than in August. With this, capacity utilization remains in contraction, with an index at 48.8 points.

Part of this weakness is attributed to weak economic activity, as well as lower external demand. These two items hindered 26.5% and 22.2% of the companies surveyed during September.

However, the outlook for Nuevo Leon's industry presents a contrast and other variables increased during September. On the one hand, the number of workers reached 50 points, placing it in expansion after three months of contractions.

In the same vein as jobs, 36% of the companies surveyed indicated that they invested in machinery, equipment or construction during the month. This is one of the highest figures of the year and up from August.

With respect to the prices of products and raw materials, both variables are in expansion and without relevant changes with respect to the previous month. As a result, companies' cost structures are becoming more expensive.

Finally, with respect to the factors that hindered companies in September, both the political landscape and the shortage of skilled personnel again topped the list. This time 53% mentioned the first factor, while the second was selected by 36.8%.

CAINTRA Nuevo León