SINGAPORE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM) announced on Monday the country's purchasing managers' index (PMI), an early indicator of manufacturing activity, dipped by 0.2 points from 52.9 in April to 52.7 in May.

It marks the 21st month of consecutive expansion of Singapore's manufacturing sector.

Meanwhile, the PMI of Singapore's electronics industry rose by a marginal 0.1 point to 52.3, marking the 22nd month of consecutive expansion of Singapore's electronics industry.

A PMI reading of 50 and above indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

According to the SIPMM, the PMI reading of Singapore went lower due to slower growth in manufacturing output, imports, exports and inventory. Meanwhile, the electronics sector PMI paints a rosier picture with exports, new orders and output faring relatively better.