PMI in Focus: Tariff Impact in Asia, UK Labor Market Trends

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, S&P Global Market Intelligence's Paul Smith is joined by fellow economists Andrew Harker and Annabel Fiddes to explore the latest findings from the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data. The discussion focuses on the significant impact of recent tariff announcements on the global economy, with a particular emphasis on Asia. Listeners will gain insights into the current state of global goods trade, which has seen a notable decline in manufacturing new export orders—the largest month-on-month reduction since August 2023. The episode also explores the mixed manufacturing output trends across Asia, highlighting strong performances in some regions alongside declines in others, particularly due to shifting US trade policies. Additionally, the podcast addresses the labor market trends in the UK, examining how changes in payroll costs and national insurance rates have affected hiring practices and candidate availability. With global business confidence at a two-and-a-half-year low, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the economic landscape, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry professionals alike. Listen now to stay informed on the latest economic developments and understand how high-frequency data can guide decision-making in uncertain times. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Goods producers in Asia signal sharp loss of export momentum Trade and tariffs insights and news Power Plays in 2025: Download the full report Credits: Host: Paul Smith Guests: Andrew Harker, Annabel Fiddes Produced By: Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun