Economic Buzz: US ISM manufacturing expands further in March with rising costs and mixed trends

US manufacturing activity continued to grow in March, marking the third straight month of expansion, according to the ISM Manufacturing PMI report. The index rose slightly to 52.7 from 52.4 in February, indicating steady improvement in the sector and ongoing overall economic expansion.

Production increased at a faster pace, while new orders remained in growth territory but slowed compared to the previous month. At the same time, price pressures intensified significantly, with the Prices Index jumping to its highest level since mid-2022, driven by higher input costs.

However, not all indicators were positive. Employment levels stayed in contraction, showing that companies remain cautious about hiring. Inventories also declined further, suggesting firms are carefully managing stock levels. Supplier delivery times continued to slow, reflecting ongoing supply chain challenges.

Export orders slipped back into contraction, highlighting weaker global demand, while imports also eased. Businesses pointed to concerns around geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, and uncertainty in US economic policies as key risks.

Despite mixed signals, most major manufacturing industries recorded growth, and overall demand conditions suggest that production could remain supported in the coming months.

Powered by Commodity Insights