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Monthly Update: Purchasing Managers Index

April '25, Latest Data
Published on 5/14/25

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Estimated Read Time: 1 minute

Economic growth in the Houston area slowed in April, according to the most recent Houston Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) prepared by the Institute for Supply Management-Houston. The overall PMI, which measures broad economic activity through a survey of supply chain executives, was 48.5 in April, a slight decrease from 49.7 in March. Despite the downward trend seen in the first months of ‘25, the overall economy is still expanding, as indicated by a PMI above the neutral point of 45. Manufacturing increased to a PMI of 48.9, while non-manufacturing dropped to 48.5.

Two of the three PMI  indicators that most strongly correlated with Houston’s economic growth contracted while one expanded:

  • Sales/new orders stayed in contraction territory at 49.3, down slightly from 49.4 in March.
  • Employment dropped to 45.5, slipping into contraction territory after expanding in March.  
  • Lead times increased to 53.1 following a few months of contraction.

The prices paid indicator saw a sharp increase in both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. Price growth in April likely resulted from new tariffs on imported goods and commodities.  

On an industry-specific basis:

  • Health care, wholesale/retail trade, and transportation and warehousing reported strong expansion. 
  • Durable goods manufacturing reported moderate expansion.
  • Non-durable goods, construction, and professional and business services reported moderate contraction.
  • Oil and gas and real estate reported strong contraction. 

The PMI is published monthly by the Institute for Supply Management – Houston and is based on a survey of supply chain executives in the region. For additional information, click here.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research

Clara Richardson
Analyst, Research
Greater Houston Partnership
crichardson@houston.org

Colin Baker
Manager of Economic Research
Greater Houston Partnership
bakerc@houston.org

 

 

Economy Key Economic Indicators
48.5

Houston's PMI registered 48.5 in April '25

More Insight & Analysis

Monthly Update: Employment

Review the latest data on jobs in the Houston region. 

Monthly Update: Inflation

Review the latest data on inflation in the Houston area. 

Monthly Update: Home Sales

Review the latest information on home sales in the Houston region. 

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