Manufacturing at Stall Speed... Production and New Orders Decline

What respondents are saying:

• "Earlier chemical price increases are beginning to soften." (Chemical Products)
• "Business is soft, confidence is down, and we are cutting inventory and expenses." (Machinery)
• "Exports continue to be strong — domestic weak." (Computer & Electronic Products)
• "Domestic sales are showing small improvements. International sales are showing larger improvements." (Fabricated Metal Products)
• "Demand remains constant and strong." (Paper Products)
• "Current headwinds in the national and international economic environment have increased uncertainty, and are affecting our customers' willingness to commit to high-dollar equipment purchases." (Transportation Equipment)
• "We continue to post solid numbers, but the situation seems tenuous." (Plastics & Rubber Products)
• "Automotive business (represents 52 percent of our sales portfolio) continues to be strong. Core business has pulled back slightly." (Apparel, Leather & Allied Products)
• "Sales continue to be sluggish." (Furniture & Related Products)

Source: ISM