Karim writes:
Details mixed…orders and production down; employment and backlogs up…
Anecdotals also mixed
WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING …
- “Depends on division, plant and market served.” (Transportation Equipment)
- “Current economy has killed new capital sales.” (Machinery)
- “Commodities are firming again.” (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)
- “First quarter orders up compared to prior two years!” (Fabricated Metal Products)
- “…lead times for electronic parts are pushing out to 8 to 24 weeks.” (Computer & Electronic Products)
| Feb | Jan | |
| PMI | 56.5 | 58.4 |
| New Orders | 59.5 | 65.9 |
| Production | 58.4 | 66.2 |
| Employment | 56.1 | 53.3 |
| Supplier Delvs | 61.1 | 60.1 |
| Inventories | 47.3 | 46.5 |
| Prices | 67.0 | 70.0 |
| Backlog Ords | 61.0 | 56.0 |
| Exports | 56.5 | 58.5 |
| Imports | 56.0 | 56.5 |