The Nikkei Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 55.7 in June from 53.9 in May — one of the largest increases ever recorded (a reading above 50 signals an improvement, while one below 50 signals a contraction in manufacturing activity).

Output and new orders accelerated amid general improvements in client demand, which led to a record rise in employment and purchasing activity. There was also a record rise in staffing levels.

Andrew Harker — associate director at IHS Markit (www.ihsmarkit.com), which compiles the survey — said: “The Vietnamese manufacturing sector appears to be motoring, midway through 2018.

“The current growth phase has been extremely positive for Vietnamese workers, with firms taking on extra staff at a record pace during June.”