Rob Carr, Getty Images
Industryweek 9704 110315factoryordersswa

US Factory Orders Fall Again in September

Nov. 3, 2015
‘Demand for many categories of manufactured goods continues to struggle from the effect of a stronger dollar, weak foreign demand and lower energy prices.’

New orders for U.S. manufactured goods fell for a second consecutive month in September, dragged down largely by a drop in commercial plane orders, according to official data released Tuesday.

The Commerce Department said new factory orders fell 1.0% in September, following a revised 2.1% drop in August, previously estimated at 1.7%. The September report was the latest evidence of the continued sluggishness in the manufacturing sector, hit by a strong dollar and weakness in the energy sector amid low oil prices.

Excluding transportation orders, which tend to be volatile month-on-month, factory orders fell 0.6% in September. Transportation orders dropped 3.1% last month, less than half the August decline. A big 36% decline in commercial aircraft and parts orders outweighed a pick-up in defense aircraft orders.

Total factory orders in September were down 7.2% from a year ago.

The weakness was broad. Orders for durable goods — products expected to last at least three years — fell 1.2%. Nondurable goods orders dropped 0.8%.

“Demand for many categories of manufactured goods continues to struggle from the effect of a stronger dollar, weak foreign demand and lower energy prices,” according to Barclays analyst Jesse Hurwitz.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2015

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

3D Printing A More Efficient Factory Floor

Nov. 16, 2023
Today’s additive manufacturing platforms make it simple to print a wide range of high-performing industrial parts as soon as possible and right where you need them — unlocking...

The Benefits of Continuous Thermal Monitoring

Oct. 17, 2023
Read this eBook to learn more about collecting and using data intelligently to improve performance.

Food and Beverage 2024 Trends and Outlook for North America

Oct. 29, 2023
Ready to hear what 200 of your peers said are the top challenges and opportunities in 2024? Don’t fall behind. Uncover actionable insights to better prepare for 2024 in this whitepaper...

Digitally Transforming Data and Processes With Product Lifecycle Management

Oct. 29, 2023
Manufacturers face increasing challenges in product development as they strive to consistently deliver improved results. Discover how industry leaders are improving time-to-market...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!