Manufacturing PMI Now At Highest Mark Since October 2014

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded faster in February, and the overall economy grew for the 93rd consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Id 27301 Manufacturing

TEMPE, AZ — Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in February, and the overall economy grew for the 93rd consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

The report was issued Wednesday by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee:

  • The February PMI registered 57.7 percent, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from the January reading of 56 percent. It was the highest reading since October 2014.
  • The New Orders Index registered 65.1 percent, an increase of 4.7 percentage points from the January reading of 60.4 percent.
  • The Production Index registered 62.9 percent, 1.5 percentage points higher than the January reading of 61.4 percent.
  • The Employment Index registered 54.2 percent, a decrease of 1.9 percentage points from the January reading of 56.1 percent.
  • Inventories of raw materials registered 51.5 percent, an increase of 3 percentage points from the January reading of 48.5 percent.
  • The Prices Index registered 68 percent in February, a decrease of 1 percentage point from the January reading of 69 percent, indicating higher raw materials prices for the 12th consecutive month.

"Comments from the panel largely indicate strong sales and demand, and reflect a positive view of business conditions with a watchful eye on commodities and the potential for inflation," Holcomb said.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 17 reported growth in February in the following order: Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Wood Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The only industry reporting contraction in February is Furniture & Related Products.

Last 12 Months
Month PMI
February 2017 57.7
January 2017 56.0
December 2016 54.5
November 2016 53.5
October 2016 52.0
September 2016 51.7
August 2016 49.4
July 2016 52.3
June 2016 52.8
May 2016 51.0
April 2016 50.7
March 2016 51.7
12-month average 52.8

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING …

  • “Business [is] improving and lead times are extending by two or more weeks.” (Chemical Products)
  • “Very positive outlook for this quarter. Production goals have been adjusted multiple times and increased each time due to demand.” (Computer & Electronic Products)
  • “Product demand continues to be solid.” (Plastics & Rubber Products)
  • “Bookings are heavy early in the season. Expect robust first half of the year.” (Primary Metals)
  • “Demand still outstrips capacity. Competitors have announced heavy capital investments to increase capacity.” (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)
  • “Sales and business continue to be strong and increasing.” (Machinery)
  • “Business holding steady in Q1.” (Transportation Equipment)
  • “Medical device manufacturing is still strong.” (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)
  • “Even though oil and gas prices are on the upswing, we still face a tough 2017 and will continue to save on costs.” (Petroleum & Coal Products)
  • “Major focus on commodities and potential [for] further inflation.” (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)
Id 28616 Pmi
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