Manufacturing Expands for Third Straight Month

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April for the third consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 66th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Manufacturing activity increased in April; the PMI reflects accelerating growth for the month. New Orders and Production improved significantly as did Employment.

Manufacturers are now in their ninth month of inventory reduction, so supply chains are generally in balance. On the negative side, prices continue to rise at a rapid rate with metals and energy being the areas of greatest concern to buyers.

The 11 industries reporting growth in April — listed in order — are: Wood Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Furniture & Related Products.