Tenth District manufacturing activity slowed in August, and producers were somewhat less optimistic than in previous months. Price indexes in the survey were mostly unchanged.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in August was 0, down from 14 in July and 3 in June. The slowdown in production occurred among both durable and nondurable goods producing plants, with the exception of aircraft and electronic equipment producers, who reported some improvements. Other month-over-month indicators also fell. The shipments, new orders, and employment indexes dropped into negative territory, and the order backlog index slipped from -2 to -16. The new orders for exports index was essentially flat, while supplier delivery times increased modestly. The raw materials inventory index rose from -1 to 6, and the finished goods inventory index also inched higher.

Tenth District manufacturing activity rebounded moderately in July, and expectations for future production remained positive. However, plans for future hiring and capital spending were essentially flat. Price indexes were mostly unchanged.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in July was 14, up from 3 in June and 5 in May. The increase in production occurred among both durable and nondurable goods producing plants, with the exception of aircraft producers, who reported a slight downturn. Other month-over-month indicators generally increased as well. The shipments, new orders, and order backlog indexes continued to climb higher, and the employment index moved back into positive territory. In contrast, the new orders for exports index decreased from 3 to 0, and the supplier delivery time index also fell for the second straight month. The raw materials inventory index inched up from -4 to -1, while the finished goods inventory index edged down.

Growth in Tenth District manufacturing activity eased slightly in June, and producers were somewhat less optimistic than in previous months. Price indexes fell from the previous month, with considerable easement in current materials prices and some slowing in finished goods price increases.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in June was 3, down from 5 in May and 24 in April. The slowdown in production growth was highest among food, chemicals, and metals producers, while many plants that produce heavy equipment and machinery reported a rise in activity. Other month-over-month indicators were mixed. The shipments and new orders indexes climbed back into positive territory, and the new orders for exports index increased from 0 to 3. In contrast, the employment index dropped from 1 to -1, and the order backlog index recorded its lowest level in almost a year. The supplier delivery time index fell back down after reaching a six-year high last month. Both inventory indexes decreased back into negative territory.

Tenth District manufacturing activity grew at a much slower rate in May than in previous months, but producers were more optimistic about future activity. Price indexes were mixed, with some slowing in the rate of materials price increases and a flattening of finished goods prices. However, a number of firms continued plans to raise finished goods prices in coming months.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in May was 5, down from 24 in April and 18 in March. Production growth slowed at both durable and nondurable-goods-producing plants. Most other month-over-month indicators also edged down from April levels. The shipments, new orders, and order backlog indexes all moved into negative territory, and the employment index eased after reaching a two-year high last month. The new orders for exports index dropped from 5 to 0, while the supplier delivery time index climbed higher. Both inventory indexes increased into positive territory.

Growth in Tenth District manufacturing activity continued at a solid pace, and producers remained moderately optimistic about the future. Price indexes were mixed, with further increases in raw materials prices, but finished goods prices were mostly stable.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in April was 24, up from 18 in March and 19 in February (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production increased at both durable and nondurable-goods-producing plants. Most other month-over-month indicators climbed higher in April. The shipments, new orders, and order backlog indexes all increased, and the employment index recorded its highest level in over two years. Meanwhile, the new orders for exports index edged up for the second straight month. The raw materials inventory index fell from -3 to -7, and the finished goods inventory index eased from -7 to -9.

Tenth District manufacturing activity continued to grow solidly, with production almost back to year-ago levels. Producers’ expectations for future factory activity rebounded after moderating slightly in February. Price indexes were mixed, with some moderation in raw materials price increases, but more producers planned to pass-through cost increases than in previous months.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in March was 18, similar to the reading of 19 in February, and up from 13 in January (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production growth eased at non-durable goods plants but increased slightly among durable goods producers, particularly for fabricated metals. Most other month-over-month indicators edged higher in March. The shipments, new orders, and order backlog indexes all increased modestly, and the employment index moved into positive territory, recording its highest level in two years. Meanwhile, the new orders for exports index rebounded after falling somewhat last month. The raw materials inventory index rose from -1 to 3, while the finished goods inventory index dropped from 0 to -7.

Tenth District manufacturing activity continued to strengthen in February. Production increased further, and producers’ expectations for future activity, including for hiring, were positive overall. Raw materials price indexes remained elevated, but finished goods prices were generally unchanged, although a rising share of firms plan to raise finished good prices in the future.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in February was 19, up from 13 in January and 7 in December. Production growth increased at durable goods plants, but slowed slightly among non-durable goods producers, particularly for food, printing, and plastics and rubber producers. The other month-over-month indicators were mixed in February. The shipments and new orders indexes each climbed, but the order backlog index fell slightly. The employment index slipped back into negative territory after being positive in January. Also, the new orders for exports index fell from 6 in January to 0 in February. The raw materials inventory index continued to increase, reaching an 18 month high, while the finished goods inventory index remained 0.

Growth in Tenth District manufacturing activity strengthened in January, with production returning nearly back to year-ago levels. Producers’ expectations for future factory activity also rebounded strongly after easing slightly in December. Price indexes moved higher, with twice as many firms reporting a rise in current and expected raw materials prices, but pass-through to finished goods prices remained limited.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in January was 13, up from 7 in December, but down slightly from 15 in November (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production growth increased at non-durable goods plants but slowed slightly among durable goods producers, particularly for computer and electronic products. Most other month-over-month indicators increased in January. The shipments, new orders, and order backlog indexes all climbed higher. The employment index edged up into positive territory for the first time in 18 months, and the new orders for exports index also rose slightly. The raw materials inventory index increased from -12 to -7, and the finished goods inventory index inched higher.

Growth in Tenth District manufacturing activity moderated somewhat in December, and producers were slightly less optimistic about the months ahead, with few planning major capital expenditures. Price indexes remained mostly stable.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in December was 10, down from 17 in November, but up from 6 in October. Production growth slowed at both durable and non-durable goods plants. Most other month-over-month indicators also decreased somewhat. The shipments index dipped from 11 to 6, and the new orders, order backlog, and employment indexes also fell. In contrast, the new orders for exports index rose slightly from 2 to 4. The raw materials inventory index dropped from -1 to -10, while the finished goods inventory index ticked up into positive territory.

Growth in Tenth District manufacturing activity moderated somewhat in October, but producers were more optimistic about future activity. Price indexes increased somewhat for raw materials, while finished goods price indexes were generally stable.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in October was 6, down from 16 in September but up from -7 in August (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production increased at durable goods plants, but fell for most non-durable goods producers, particularly food and chemicals. Other month-over-month indexes were mixed. The shipments index dropped from 12 to 1, and the employment index was slightly lower than last month. The new orders index edged up from 10 to 11, and the order backlog index moved into positive territory for the first time in over a year. The new orders for exports index remained basically unchanged, and both inventory indexes increased markedly.

Tenth District manufacturing activity rebounded in September as firms’ orders picked up slightly, and expectations mostly held steady with last month’s positive outlook. Most price indexes in the survey inched higher, but still remained at fairly low levels.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in September was 16, up from -7 in August and 2 in July (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production was up at both durable and non-durable goods producing plants, with the notable exception of aircraft manufacturing. All other month-over-month indexes were also higher than in August. The shipments index jumped from -12 to 12, and the new orders, order backlog, and new orders for exports indexes also rose. The employment index moved into positive territory for the first time in over a year, and the employee workweek index also increased considerably. Both inventory indexes edged up slightly, but continued to be in negative territory.

Tenth District manufacturing activity eased slightly in August as firms continued to trim inventories, but expectations for future factory activity rebounded to levels not seen since last year. Most price indexes in the survey began to level out after falling sharply through most of the year.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in August was -7, down from 2 in July, and 9 in June (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production was down slightly among non-durable goods producers, while durable goods manufacturers recorded a more pronounced downturn. Other month-over-month indexes were mixed. The shipments index plunged from 7 to -12, and the new orders index eased after three straight months of positive readings. In contrast, the employment index rose to its highest level in nearly a year, though it was still negative, and the supplier delivery time index also inched higher. Both inventory indexes remained mired in negative territory.

Tenth District manufacturing activity was largely flat in July as firms continued to trim inventories, and expectations remained fairly stable following last month’s increase. Price indexes in the survey eased after rising marginally last month.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in July was 2, down from 9 in June, but up from -3 in May. Production edged higher among durable goods producers, but decreased in non-durable goods plants, particularly for food and chemicals. Other month-over-month indexes were mixed. The new orders index was solidly positive for the second straight month, but the order backlog and employment indexes fell after increasing last month. The shipments index edged up slightly, and the new orders for export index moved into positive territory for the first time in 10 months. Both inventory indexes fell for the second straight month and remained highly negative.

Tenth District manufacturing activity showed signs of a rebound in June, and firms’ expectations for future factory activity were generally positive. Price indexes in the survey edged up slightly after months of decline.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in June was 9, up from -3 in May and -6 in April (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production indexes, positive for the first time in 10 months, increased at both durable and non-durable-goods producing plants. Most other month-over-month indexes climbed higher and several also moved into positive territory. The shipments, new orders, and order backlog indexes all increased for the second straight month. The employment index edged up from -13 to -10, and the employee workweek index also improved considerably. Both inventory indexes dropped after increasing last month, though over half of all firms indicated general satisfaction with their inventory levels.

Tenth District manufacturing activity declined only slightly in May, and firms generally expect steady conditions heading forward. Price indexes in the survey indicated continued declines in both materials and finished goods prices.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in May was -3, up from -6 in April and -21 in March (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production indexes increased at non-durable-goods producing plants, but eased a bit at durable-goods plants, particularly machinery and furniture manufacturers. Most other month-over-month indexes showed some improvements but generally still remained in negative territory. An exception was the new order index, which was positive for the first time in nine months. The shipments index rose from -6 to -1, and the order backlog index also climbed higher. The employment index increased from -23 to -13, and the new orders for exports index reached its highest level in over six months. Both inventory indexes edged up for the second straight month but were still indicative of firms trimming their stock levels.

Tenth District manufacturing activity fell only slightly in April, and firms generally expect stable conditions in the months ahead. Price indexes in the survey continued to ease, with several indexes at historically low levels.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in April was -6, up from -21 in March and -24 in February. Production indexes increased at both durable and non-durable-goods producing plants, with the largest increases reported from chemicals, machinery, and food manufacturers. Most other month-over-month indexes showed similar improvements but still remained in negative territory. The shipments index increased from -15 to -6, and the new orders and order backlog indexes also rose marginally. The employment index climbed from -41 to -23, while the new orders for exports index remained unchanged. Both inventory indexes edged up slightly.

Tenth District manufacturing activity declined at a slightly slower pace in March, and firms’ expectations for future activity improved somewhat over last month. Price indexes in the survey remained mostly negative.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in March was -21, up from -24 in February and -25 in January. Production indexes improved slightly at both durable and non-durable-goods producing plants. Most other month-over-month indexes showed slight upturns but still remained quite negative. The shipments index edged up slightly from -20 to -15, and the order backlog and new orders for exports indexes also rose marginally. In contrast, the employment index fell to another historical low and the new orders for exports index also eased down. The raw materials inventory index continued its downward slide, while the finished goods inventory index was basically unchanged.

Tenth District manufacturing activity continued to decline sharply in February, and firms’ expectations for future activity weakened considerably. Price indexes in the survey continued to fall, with most now in negative territory.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in February was -24, similar to the -25 reading in January, but down slightly from -18 in December. Production fell less at durable-goods producing plants than in recent months, but took a slight downturn at non-durable-goods producing plants, particularly among food manufacturers. All other month-over-month indexes showed mixed results from January but remained generally quite negative. The shipments index edged up slightly from -22 to -20, and the order backlog and new orders for exports indexes also rose marginally. The employment index remained unchanged at -40, the lowest level in survey history. Both inventory indexes experienced additional declines, particularly for finished goods.

Tenth District manufacturing activity declined further in January, and firms’ expectations for future activity continued to be pessimistic. Price indexes in the survey also fell for the third straight month.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in January was -25, down from -18 in December, but up slightly from -30 in November. Production declined sharply at durable-goods producing plants, but was less negative at non-durable-goods producing plants, particularly among food and plastics manufacturers. Almost all other month-over-month indexes were also more negative in January than in December. The shipments index fell to -22 in January from -14 in December. The employment, employee workweek, and new orders for export indexes all posted the lowest recording in the history of the survey. Additionally, the raw materials and finished goods inventory indexes fell to -23 and -9, respectively.

Tenth District manufacturing activity weakened further in December, and firms’ expectations for future activity remained pessimistic. Price indexes in the survey also fell for the second straight month.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in December was -21, up from -31 in November and -23 in October. Among both durable and nondurable goods producers, production fell at fewer plants than in November. The month-over-month factory indexes generally posted further declines from November’s weak numbers. The shipments index rose to -17 in December from -38 in November. Similarly, the new orders index increased to -30 from -39. However, both the employment and new orders for exports indexes recorded their lowest levels, -33 and -17 respectively, in the survey’s fourteen-year history. The raw materials inventory index fell in December to -18, another all-time low. The finished good inventory index also fell to -3 from 1.

Tenth District manufacturing activity weakened further in November, and firms’ expectations for future activity declined considerably. Price indexes in the survey also fell markedly for the second straight month.

The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in November was -31, down from -23 in October and -9 in September. Production contracted at both durable and non-durable-goods producing plants. Nearly all other month-over-month indexes were down sharply in November. Similar to last month, the production, shipments, new orders and order backlog indexes recorded their lowest levels in the survey’s fourteen-year history. The employment index also posted a record survey low, dropping from -12 to -21. After relatively positive growth earlier in the year, the new order for exports index decreased from -6 to -14, another all-time low. The raw materials inventories index fell further this month, while the finished goods inventory index rebounded from -9 to 1.