Global manufacturing output rose at the fastest rate for over two years in August as the world's factories continued to recover from COVID-19 related lockdowns. The rebound was led by Brazil, the UK, Germany, Italy, and China. However, especially weak performances continued to be seen in many parts of Asia, linked in part to the slow recovery of global trade, albeit with worldwide exports now showing signs of stabilising.
Job losses meanwhile eased as firms increasingly sought to boost capacity to meet expectations of rising demand, though the ongoing cull to jobs hints at cautiousness