Russia’s S&P Global Composite PMI rose to 52.1 in January 2026 from 50.0 in December, marking the highest level since January 2025 and signaling a renewed expansion in private-sector activity. The contraction in manufacturing output eased, while services activity accelerated further. New orders increased at the fastest pace in a year, as a softer decline in manufacturing demand coincided with stronger growth in services’ new business. Employment levels were broadly stable overall. On the price front, a recent increase in the VAT rate pushed up cost burdens for both manufacturers and service providers, leading to a sharper rise in input costs and output charges compared with December. Price pressures remained historically elevated across both sectors. Looking ahead, business confidence improved in manufacturing and services, supported by expectations of stronger demand and improving operating conditions.
