May manufactured goods orders increase slightly
New orders for manufactured goods in May, up five of the last six months, increased $1.6 billion or 0.3% to $578.0 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported July 5. This followed a 0.3% April increase.
Shipments, up following three consecutive monthly decreases, increased $1.6 billion or 0.3% to $572.6 billion. This followed a 0.6% April decrease.
Unfilled orders, up five of the last six months, increased $10.5 billion or 0.8% to $1,301.9 billion. This followed a 0.8% April increase. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.65, down from 6.71 in April.
Inventories, down three of the last four months, decreased $1.7 billion or 0.2% to $853.8 billion. This followed a 0.3% April increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.49, down from 1.50 in April.
New Orders
New orders for manufactured durable goods in May, up three consecutive months, increased $5.0 billion or 1.8% to $288.4 billion, up from the previously published 1.7% increase. This followed a 1.2% April increase. Transportation equipment, also up three consecutive months, led the increase, $3.8 billion or 3.8% to $102.5 billion. New orders for manufactured nondurable goods decreased $3.5 billion or 1.2% to $289.6 billion.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The March/April issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Joyce Lansdale and Vallen. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and David Kahle, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
