PT/MC Manufacturing Sales Decline In April

Both U.S. and Canadian manufacturers experienced a drop in sales in April 2009 according to sales data released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association. Confidence in the market (as measured on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being most optimistic) remained the same this month, holding a current negative position between 4.6 and 4.9.

U.S. manufacturers' sales were down 11.0% in April 2009 when compared to March 2009. Sales in April 2009 fell 29.8% compared to the same period last year. Orders in April 2009 increased by 2.2% over March 2009 sales, the first positive performance since October 2008.

Canadian manufacturers' sales were down 3.0% compared to March 2009. Sales were down 32.6% when compared to the same period last year.

Sales between March 2009 and April 2009 in specific product categories reflect the change in sales experienced by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. Only one product category for U.S. manufacturers- gear products- posted an increase in sales. For Canadian manufacturers, three product categories posted an increase in sales- gear products, clutches & brakes and standard industrial motors.

The Market Outlook Report is published monthly by the Power Transmission Distributors Association. For the full report, visit www.ptda.org/store.