ISM issues positive report on U.S. manufacturing

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April for the 33rd consecutive month, as the overall economy grew for the 35th consecutive month.

According to the latest monthly report issued by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM), the Manufacturing ISM Report On Business is based on data provided monthly by purchasing executives at over 350 industrial companies. It reflects changes in the current month compared with the previous month. Responses are raw data.

“The PMI registered 54.8 percent, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from March’s reading of 53.4 percent, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 33rd consecutive month,” said Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management.

In an interview with LM, Holcomb added that next’s week’s semiannual report will provide more of a forecast.

“We suspect that supply chain managers will continue to employ lean strategies to remain nimble and responsive to demand cycles,” he said.

Sixteen of the 18 industries reflected overall growth in April, and the New Orders, Production and Employment Indexes all increased, indicating growth at faster rates than in March. The Prices Index for raw materials remained at 61 percent in April, the same rate as reported in March.

Comments from the panel generally indicate stable to strong demand, with some concerns cited over increasing oil prices and “European stability.”