Factory Orders Rose 1.7% in May

Washington, DC, July 2, 2021–New orders for manufactured goods in May, up 12 of the last 13 months, increased $8.1 billion, or 1.7%, to $495.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

This followed a 0.1% April decrease. Shipments, also up 12 of the last 13 months, increased $3.3 billion, or 0.7%, to $490.4 billion. This followed a 0.2% April increase.

Unfilled orders, up four consecutive months, increased $9.6 billion, or 0.8%, to $1,209.5 billion. This followed a 0.4% April increase.

The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.95, up from 6.88 in April. Inventories, up 11 of the last 12 months, increased $6.6 billion, or 0.9%, to $731.6 billion. This followed a 0.5% April increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.49, unchanged from April.