ISM ROB: Manufacturing economic activity expanded in May; growth in orders, employment, production

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in May for the 12th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 60th consecutive month, said the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business®.

The report was issued by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute of Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The May PMI® registered 53.2 percent, a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from April's reading of 54.9 percent, indicating expansion in manufacturing for the 12th consecutive month. The New Orders Index registered 53.3 percent, a decrease of 1.8 percentage points from the 55.1 percent reading in April, indicating growth in new orders for the 12th consecutive month. The Production Index registered 55.2 percent, 0.5 percentage point below the April reading of 55.7 percent. Employment grew for the 11th consecutive month, registering 51.9 percent, a decrease of 2.8 percentage points below April's reading of 54.7 percent. Comments from the panel reflect generally steady growth, but note some areas of concern regarding raw materials pricing and supply tightness and shortages."

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 17 reported growth in May in the following order: Furniture & Related Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Wood Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Plastics & Rubber Products. No industry reported contraction in May.

The full report can be found here.