U.S. and Canadian manufacturers posted an increase in sales in September 2009 according to sales data released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association in its Market Outlook Report. Confidence in the U.S. market (as measured on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being most optimistic) is holding at a current negative position of 4.7 for the third consecutive month. Canadian confidence rose slightly by 0.1 from last month to 4.2.
U.S. manufacturers’ sales rose for the second consecutive month, posting a 5.3% increase in September 2009 when compared to August 2009. Sales in September 2009 are down 29.6% compared to the same period last year. Orders in September 2009 increased by 9.1% over August 2009 orders.
Canadian manufacturers’ sales rose by 14% compared to August 2009. Sales were down 29.1% when compared to the same period last year.
Product-by-product sales between August 2009 and September 2009 reflect the change in sales experienced by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. Seven of nine product categories for U.S. manufacturers posted sales gains. For Canadian manufacturers, eight product categories posted sales gains.
The Market Outlook Report is published monthly. The monthly data is available by subscription via e-mail or mail. To purchase the year-end data or to begin a subscription to the monthly data, order online at www.ptda.org/store or call PTDA at (312) 516-2100.
