Factory Orders Decline in June

Washington, DC, Aug. 3, 2011 -- U.S. businesses reduced orders for factory made goods for the second time in three months, according to the Commerce Department.

The government says orders to U.S. factories fell 0.8% in June.

High energy prices and supply disruptions caused by Japan crisis have slowed manufacturing this spring, along with the broader economy.

Overall demand for factory goods fell to $440.7 billion in June. That's 31.2 percent higher than the low point during the recession reached in March 2009.