Manufacturing Down Slightly in October, but Still Expanding

Tempe, AZ, November 2, 2015—The October PMI registered 50.1%, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the September reading of 50.2%, according to the Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

The New Orders Index registered 52.9%, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the reading of 50.1% in September.

The Production Index registered 52.9%, 1.1 percentage points above the September reading of 51.8%.

The Employment Index registered 47.6%, 2.9 percentage points below the September reading of 50.5%.

Backlog of Orders registered 42.5%, an increase of 1 percentage point from the September reading of 41.5%.

The Prices Index registered 39%, an increase of 1 percentage point from the September reading of 38%, indicating lower raw materials prices for the 12th consecutive month.

The New Export Orders Index registered 47.5%, up 1 percentage point from September, and the Imports Index registered 47%, down 3.5 percentage points from the September reading of 50.5%.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, seven are reporting growth in October in the following order: Printing & Related Support Activities; Furniture & Related Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Paper Products; and Fabricated Metal Products.

The nine industries reporting contraction in October — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Primary Metals; Petroleum & Coal Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Wood Products; and Computer & Electronic Products.