New orders for manufactured goods in March, up four of the last five months, increased $11.9 billion or 3.1 percent to $400.2 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported May 2. This followed a 1.4% February increase.
Shipments, up following two consecutive monthly decreases, increased $5.9 billion or 1.5 % to $392.9 billion. This followed a 0.6% February decrease.
Unfilled orders, up twenty-two of the last twenty-three months, increased $12.9 billion or 1.8% to $717.3 billion. This was at the highest level since the series was first stated on a NAICS basis in 1992 and followed a 1.1 percent February increase.
Inventories, up twelve of the last thirteen months, increased $1.0 billion or 0.2% to $484.0 billion. This followed a slight February increase.