MANILA — Factory output in the Philippines expanded at a quicker pace in March, driven largely by gains in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) showed that the value of production index (VaPI) increased by 10.5 percent in March, accelerating from the 4.5 percent growth recorded in February. In March 2025, VaPI rose by only 0.1 percent.

The stronger growth was mainly attributed to a rebound in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, which posted a 4 percent increase during the month after a 16.6 percent decline in February.

Additional support came from faster growth in the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, as well as basic metals.

Meanwhile, the volume of production index (VoPI) climbed by 7.8 percent, improving from the 3.1 percent increase in February and the 0.6 percent expansion in March last year.

The improvement in VoPI was linked to a slower annual decline in petroleum-related manufacturing and stronger output in basic metals and transport equipment.

Capacity utilization in the manufacturing sector also edged higher, averaging 78.5 percent in March compared to 77.6 percent in the previous month. All industry divisions recorded utilization rates above 65 percent.

Among the sectors, the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products posted the highest utilization rate at 84.4 percent, followed by machinery and equipment except electrical at 82.3 percent, and other manufacturing, including repair and installation of machinery and equipment, at 81.8 percent.

The MISSI provides monthly indicators on manufacturing performance, covering employment, compensation, production, net sales, inventories, and capacity utilization.