The manufacturing sector expanded in December, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business.
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The report, issued by the Institute for Supply Management, found that the manufacturing sector continued its growth trend. The recovery in manufacturing centered on strength in autos, metals, food, machinery, computers and electronics, while those industries tied primarily to housing continue to struggle.
Additionally, manufacturers that export have benefitted from both global demand and the weaker dollar. December's strong readings in new orders and production, combined with positive comments from the panel, should create momentum as we go into the first quarter of 2011.
Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 11 are reporting growth in December, in the following order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Transportation Equipment; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Chemical Products.
The four industries reporting contraction in December are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.
