Factory Orders Down 1.3% in May

Washington, DC, July 2, 2026—New orders for manufactured goods in May, down following four consecutive monthly increases, decreased $8.5 billion or 1.3% to $657.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Thursday.  This followed a 5.3 percent April increase. 

Shipments, up seven of the last eight months, increased $10.3 billion or 1.% to $653.2 billion. This followed a 1.3 percent April increase. 

Unfilled orders, up 22 of the last 23 months, increased $9.2 billion or 0.6% to $1,579.5 billion. This followed a 1.8% April increase. 

The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.91, down from 6.95 in April. Inventories, up eight consecutive months, increased $2.1 billion or 0.2% to $962.0 billion. This followed a 0.3% April increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.47, down from 1.49 in April.