ISM Manufacturing Index Up in June

Tempe, AZ, July 2, 2007--Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in June for the fifth consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 68th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

The report was issued today by Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "Following a weak first quarter, the manufacturing sector rebounded in a strong fashion during the second quarter. In June, manufacturing expanded at its fastest pace since April 2006 when the PMI Index registered 56.9. This performance appears sustainable in the third quarter due to the current strength in New Orders and Production."

Top Performing Industries

The 12 industries reporting growth in June — listed in order — are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Textile Mills; and Machinery.

What Respondents are Saying...

"Business remains brisk with isolated areas of softness." (Nonmetallic Mineral Products)

"Things are picking up." (Primary Metals)

"Busy now but still down approximately 13 percent from this time last year." (Fabricated Metal Products)

"Exchange rate and some raw material increases have had a negative impact on our purchased components." (Transportation Equipment)

"Petroleum-based material prices have begun to escalate at a faster pace." (Paper Products)