Manufactured goods nudge up half a percent
New orders for manufactured goods in April, up four of the last five months, increased $2.6 billion or 0.4 percent to $577.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported on June 5.
This followed a 0.6 percent March increase. Shipments, down five of the last six months, decreased $2.5 billion or 0.4 percent to $572.3 billion. This followed a 0.6 percent March decrease.
Unfilled orders, up four of the last five months, increased $10.4 billion or 0.8 percent to $1,291.3 billion. This followed a 0.4 percent March increase. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.71, up from 6.60 in March.
Inventories, up following two consecutive monthly decreases, increased $4.2 billion or 0.5 percent to $856.7 billion. This followed a 0.8 percent March decrease. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.50, up from 1.48 in March.
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.
