<h1>Manufacturing Growth Hits 16-Month High in July Despite Rising Costs and Low Business Confidence</h1> A recent survey reported that the manufacturing sector in India reached a 16-month high growth in July, with the Purchasing Managers' Index rising to 59.1, driven by increased new orders and output. Despite strong sales growth and production expansion, business confidence declined to its lowest level in three years due to concerns over competition and inflation. Input and output prices remained elevated, with rising costs for materials such as aluminium, leather, rubber, and steel. Employment increased at the slowest pace in eight months, with most companies indicating current staffing levels were adequate. Overall, while demand conditions supported fee increases, cost pressures and subdued business sentiment posed challenges to sustained growth in the sector.