The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 1.2 percent in April, to a seasonally adjusted level of 85.2 (2002 = 100). Revised data show the index rose 1.5 percent in March to 84.2. The Federal Reserve Board’s industrial production index for manufacturing (IPMFG) increased 1.1 percent in April. Regional output in April edged up 7.5 percent from a year earlier, and national output increased 6.5 percent. April marks the first time since February 2008 that the CFMMI’s year-over-year change has exceeded the IPMFG’s.
We Deliver Distribution News to Your Inbox Sign up below to receive MDM Update, your free weekly distribution news update by email. |
The region’s steel sector output grew 2.9 percent in April after increasing 2.2 percent in March. The nation’s steel output was up 1.9 percent in April. Regional steel output rose 15.8 percent from its April 2009 level, and national steel output was up 11.0 percent.
The Midwest’s machinery sector production rose 1.8 percent in April after increasing 1.3 percent in March. The nation’s machinery production increased 0.9 percent in April. Regional machinery output in April was down 0.7 percent from year-earlier levels, but national machinery output was up 8.1 percent.
The Midwest resource sector’s output moved up 1.0 percent in April after increasing 1.1 percent in March. The national resource sector’s output was up 0.7 percent in April. All five subsectors of the regional resource sector – food, wood, paper, chemical, and nonmetallic production – increased from March to April. Compared with a year ago, regional resource output was up 7.5 percent in April and national resource output was up 5.4 percent.
Regional auto sector production ticked up 0.1 percent in April after rising 2.4 percent in March. National auto output inched down 0.2 percent in April. The Midwest’s automotive output was up 15.8 percent in April relative to its year-ago level, and the nation’s auto output was up 10.0 percent.