Halpim said that an index value above 50 shows expansion in the manufacturing sector, while a value under 50 signals contraction. The index has been over the growth threshold for more than a year, Halpim reported.

Among the sub-indices that comprise the PMI, the new orders index rose slightly and was over the 50 threshold, while the production volume index rose and was over the 50 threshold for the fifth month in a row, Halpim said.

Data by Halpim suggest that the employment index increased and showed growth. Delivery times were slightly longer than in April, while purchased stocks were up after falling in the previous month, Halpim added.