Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Resources
  • Investor Relations
  • Journalists
  • Agencies
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
Return to PR Newswire homepage
  • News
  • Products
  • Contact
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
  • News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases

      • All News Releases
      • All Public Company
      • English-only
      • News Releases Overview

      • Multimedia Gallery

      • All Multimedia
      • All Photos
      • All Videos
      • Multimedia Gallery Overview

      • Trending Topics

      • All Trending Topics
  • Business & Money
      • Auto & Transportation

      • All Automotive & Transportation
      • Aerospace, Defense
      • Air Freight
      • Airlines & Aviation
      • Automotive
      • Maritime & Shipbuilding
      • Railroads and Intermodal Transportation
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
      • Travel
      • Trucking and Road Transportation
      • Auto & Transportation Overview

      • View All Auto & Transportation

      • Business Technology

      • All Business Technology
      • Blockchain
      • Broadcast Tech
      • Computer & Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Components
      • Electronic Design Automation
      • Financial Technology
      • High Tech Security
      • Internet Technology
      • Nanotechnology
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Semiconductors
      • Business Technology Overview

      • View All Business Technology

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • All Entertain­ment & Media
      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • Entertain­ment & Media Overview

      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Financial Services & Investing

      • All Financial Services & Investing
      • Accounting News & Issues
      • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers
      • Banking & Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy
      • Bond & Stock Ratings
      • Conference Call Announcements
      • Contracts
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Dividends
      • Earnings
      • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
      • Financing Agreements
      • Insurance
      • Investments Opinions
      • Joint Ventures
      • Mutual Funds
      • Private Placement
      • Real Estate
      • Restructuring & Recapitalization
      • Sales Reports
      • Shareholder Activism
      • Shareholder Meetings
      • Stock Offering
      • Stock Split
      • Venture Capital
      • Financial Services & Investing Overview

      • View All Financial Services & Investing

      • General Business

      • All General Business
      • Awards
      • Commercial Real Estate
      • Corporate Expansion
      • Earnings
      • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
      • Human Resource & Workforce Management
      • Licensing
      • New Products & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Outsourcing Businesses
      • Overseas Real Estate (non-US)
      • Personnel Announcements
      • Real Estate Transactions
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Small Business Services
      • Socially Responsible Investing
      • Surveys, Polls and Research
      • Trade Show News
      • General Business Overview

      • View All General Business

  • Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology

      • All Consumer Technology
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
      • Computer Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Gaming
      • Financial Technology
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Multimedia & Internet
      • Peripherals
      • Social Media
      • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Wireless Communications
      • Consumer Technology Overview

      • View All Consumer Technology

      • Energy & Natural Resources

      • All Energy
      • Alternative Energies
      • Chemical
      • Electrical Utilities
      • Gas
      • General Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Oil & Energy
      • Oil and Gas Discoveries
      • Utilities
      • Water Utilities
      • Energy & Natural Resources Overview

      • View All Energy & Natural Resources

      • Environ­ment

      • All Environ­ment
      • Conservation & Recycling
      • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Policy
      • Environmental Products & Services
      • Green Technology
      • Natural Disasters
      • Environ­ment Overview

      • View All Environ­ment

      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
      • Aerospace & Defense
      • Agriculture
      • Chemical
      • Construction & Building
      • General Manufacturing
      • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning)
      • Machinery
      • Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
      • Precious Metals
      • Textiles
      • Tobacco
      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing Overview

      • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Telecomm­unications

      • All Telecomm­unications
      • Carriers and Services
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Telecommunications Equipment
      • Telecommunications Industry
      • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
      • Wireless Communications
      • Telecomm­unications Overview

      • View All Telecomm­unications

  • Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail

      • All Consumer Products & Retail
      • Animals & Pets
      • Beers, Wines and Spirits
      • Beverages
      • Bridal Services
      • Cannabis
      • Cosmetics and Personal Care
      • Fashion
      • Food & Beverages
      • Furniture and Furnishings
      • Home Improvement
      • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
      • Household Products
      • Jewelry
      • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
      • Office Products
      • Organic Food
      • Product Recalls
      • Restaurants
      • Retail
      • Supermarkets
      • Toys
      • Consumer Products & Retail Overview

      • View All Consumer Products & Retail

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • All Entertain­ment & Media
      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • Entertain­ment & Media Overview

      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Health

      • All Health
      • Biometrics
      • Biotechnology
      • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
      • Dentistry
      • FDA Approval
      • Fitness/Wellness
      • Health Care & Hospitals
      • Health Insurance
      • Infection Control
      • International Medical Approval
      • Medical Equipment
      • Medical Pharmaceuticals
      • Mental Health
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Supplementary Medicine
      • Health Overview

      • View All Health

      • Sports

      • All Sports
      • General Sports
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Sporting Events
      • Sports Equipment & Accessories
      • Sports Overview

      • View All Sports

      • Travel

      • All Travel
      • Amusement Parks and Tourist Attractions
      • Gambling & Casinos
      • Hotels and Resorts
      • Leisure & Tourism
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Passenger Aviation
      • Travel Industry
      • Travel Overview

      • View All Travel

  • Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest

      • All Policy & Public Interest
      • Advocacy Group Opinion
      • Animal Welfare
      • Congressional & Presidential Campaigns
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
      • Domestic Policy
      • Economic News, Trends, Analysis
      • Education
      • Environmental
      • European Government
      • FDA Approval
      • Federal and State Legislation
      • Federal Executive Branch & Agency
      • Foreign Policy & International Affairs
      • Homeland Security
      • Labor & Union
      • Legal Issues
      • Natural Disasters
      • Not For Profit
      • Patent Law
      • Public Safety
      • Trade Policy
      • U.S. State Policy
      • Policy & Public Interest Overview

      • View All Policy & Public Interest

  • People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      • All People & Culture
      • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
      • African American
      • Asian American
      • Children
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Hispanic
      • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
      • Men's Interest
      • People with Disabilities
      • Religion
      • Senior Citizens
      • Veterans
      • Women
      • People & Culture Overview

      • View All People & Culture

      • In-Language News

      • Arabic
      • español
      • português
      • Česko
      • Danmark
      • Deutschland
      • España
      • France
      • Italia
      • Nederland
      • Norge
      • Polska
      • Portugal
      • Россия
      • Slovensko
      • Suomi
      • Sverige
  • Explore Our Platform
  • Plan Campaigns
  • Create with AI
  • Distribute Press Releases
  • Amplify Content
  • All Products
  • General Inquiries
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • Media Inquiries
  • Worldwide Offices
  • Hamburger menu
  • PR Newswire: news distribution, targeting and monitoring
  • Send a Release
    • ALL CONTACT INFO
    • Contact Us

      888-776-0942
      from 8 AM - 10 PM ET

  • Send a Release
  • Client Login
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • RSS
  • News in Focus
    • Browse All News
    • Multimedia Gallery
    • Trending Topics
  • Business & Money
    • Auto & Transportation
    • Business Technology
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Financial Services & Investing
    • General Business
  • Science & Tech
    • Consumer Technology
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environ­ment
    • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
    • Telecomm­unications
  • Lifestyle & Health
    • Consumer Products & Retail
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Travel
  • Policy & Public Interest
  • People & Culture
    • People & Culture
  • Send a Release
  • Client Login
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • RSS
  • Explore Our Platform
  • Plan Campaigns
  • Create with AI
  • Distribute Press Releases
  • Amplify Content
  • All Products
  • Send a Release
  • Client Login
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • RSS
  • General Inquiries
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • Media Inquiries
  • Worldwide Offices
  • Send a Release
  • Client Login
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • RSS

PMI® at 54.2%; July 2020 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®

Institute for Supply Management logo. (PRNewsFoto/Institute for Supply Management)

News provided by

Institute for Supply Management

Aug 03, 2020, 10:00 ET

Share this article

Share toX

Share this article

Share toX

New Orders and Production Growing; Employment Contracting; Supplier Deliveries Slowing at Slower Rate; Backlog Growing; Raw Materials Inventories Contracting; Customers' Inventories Too Low; Prices Increasing; Exports and Imports Growing

TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in July, with the overall economy notching a third consecutive month of growth, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee: "The July PMI® registered 54.2 percent, up 1.6 percentage points from the June reading of 52.6 percent. This figure indicates expansion in the overall economy for the third month in a row after a contraction in April, which ended a period of 131 consecutive months of growth. The New Orders Index registered 61.5 percent, an increase of 5.1 percentage points from the June reading of 56.4 percent. The Production Index registered 62.1 percent, up 4.8 percentage points compared to the June reading of 57.3 percent. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 51.8 percent, an increase of 6.5 percentage points compared to the June reading of 45.3 percent. The Employment Index registered 44.3 percent, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from the June reading of 42.1 percent. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 55.8 percent, down 1.1 percentage points from the June figure of 56.9 percent.

"The Inventories Index registered 47 percent, 3.5 percentage points lower than the June reading of 50.5 percent. The Prices Index registered 53.2 percent, up 1.9 percentage points compared to the June reading of 51.3 percent. The New Export Orders Index registered 50.4 percent, an increase of 2.8 percentage points compared to the June reading of 47.6 percent. The Imports Index registered 53.1 percent, a 4.3-percentage point increase from the June reading of 48.8 percent.

"In July, manufacturing continued its recovery after the disruption caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Panel sentiment was generally optimistic (two positive comments for every one cautious comment), continuing a trend from June. Demand expanded, with the (1) New Orders Index growing at a strong level, supported by the New Export Orders Index re-entering expansion; (2) Customers' Inventories Index remaining at a level considered a positive for future production, and (3) Backlog of Orders Index returning to expansion for the first time in five months. Consumption (measured by the Production and Employment indexes) contributed positively (a combined 7-percentage point increase) to the PMI® calculation, with industries continuing to expand output after May's return-to-work actions. Inputs — expressed as supplier deliveries, inventories and imports — weakened for the third straight month, due to supplier delivery issues abating and import levels re-entering expansion. Inventory levels contracted due to strong production output, supplier delivery difficulties and inventory minimization. Inputs contributed negatively (a combined 4.6-percentage point decrease) to the PMI® calculation but were more than offset by the demand and consumption improvement, as was the case in June. (The Supplier Deliveries and Inventories indexes directly factor into the PMI®; the Imports Index does not.) Prices remained in expansion, supporting a positive outlook.

"The growth cycle continues for the second straight month after three prior months of COVID-19 disruptions. Demand and consumption continued to drive expansion growth, with inputs remaining at parity with supply and demand. Among the six biggest industry sectors, Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products remains the best-performing industry sector, with Chemical Products, Computer & Electronic Products and Petroleum & Coal Products growing respectably. Transportation Equipment and Fabricated Metal Products continue to contract, but at soft levels," says Fiore.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 13 reported growth in July, in the following order: Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The three industries reporting contraction in July are: Transportation Equipment; Machinery; and Fabricated Metal Products.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

  • "Orders starting to pick up. [An] increase of about 35 percent to 40 percent." (Chemical Products)
  • "Overall business remains down almost 70 percent. We are hanging on to as many employees as possible, but we will have to lay off 30 percent or more for at least two to three months until September or October." (Transportation Equipment)
  • "While demand in the coming six months is stabilizing, it is at a significant reduction and clear that customers have little confidence in the forecasts. Export orders to Brazil, South Africa, [and the] Middle East are largely cancelled for balance of 2020." (Fabricated Metal Products)
  • "Manufacturing outlook has improved greatly in June, as business has resumed at nearly 100 percent. We have implemented a number of safeguards that are costing extra money, but we are running." (Computer & Electronic Products)
  • "Stabilizing demand for refrigerated and frozen beverage and dessert, but still at higher level than a year ago. Uncertainty of school opening in the fall: How much demand will continue or shift will be dictated by students returning to school or not." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)
  • "Uncertainty regarding our industry and business has not improved. We are developing the 2021 budget around multiple scenarios." (Petroleum & Coal Products)
  • "Incoming orders are slow. This is usually our busiest time of the year, but production is reduced due to lack of demand. Additional layoffs expected." (Furniture & Related Products)
  • "General business climate continues to be subdued, driving highly conservative forecasting due to variability in the ongoing pandemic-driven conditions and economic response." (Machinery)
  • "We are still seeing our customers shut down or effected by COVID-19. We are hoping for a bounce back in September." (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)
  • "General business conditions are in a general slowing pattern. Many of the plants are on reduced hours and/or furloughs. About 20 percent to 25 percent of plants are scheduled to be consolidated in the next six months to improve margins and profitability." (Nonmetallic Mineral Products)

MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE

July 2020

Index

Series
Index

Jul

Series
Index

Jun

Percentage

Point

Change

Direction

Rate of
Change

Trend*
(Months)

PMI®

54.2

52.6

+1.6

Growing

Faster

2

New Orders

61.5

56.4

+5.1

Growing

Faster

2

Production

62.1

57.3

+4.8

Growing

Faster

2

Employment

44.3

42.1

+2.2

Contracting

Slower

12

Supplier Deliveries

55.8

56.9

-1.1

Slowing

Slower

9

Inventories

47.0

50.5

-3.5

Contracting

From Growing

1

Customers' Inventories

41.6

44.6

-3.0

Too Low

Faster

46

Prices

53.2

51.3

+1.9

Increasing

Faster

2

Backlog of Orders

51.8

45.3

+6.5

Growing

From Contracting

1

New Export Orders

50.4

47.6

+2.8

Growing

From Contracting

1

Imports

53.1

48.8

+4.3

Growing

From Contracting

1

OVERALL ECONOMY

Growing

Faster

3

Manufacturing Sector

Growing

Faster

2

Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories indexes.
*Number of months moving in current direction.

COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE AND IN SHORT SUPPLY

Commodities Up in Price
Aluminum (2); Copper (2); Crude Oil (3); Diesel Fuel (2); High-Density Polyethylene; Lumber; Oil-Based Products; Plastic Products; Polypropylene; and Precious Metals.

Commodities Down in Price
Diesel Fuel (5); Steel — Hot Rolled; and Steel Products (4).

Commodities in Short Supply
Alcohols; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (3); PPE — Gloves (5); PPE — Masks; and Sanitizers & Disinfectants (2).

Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.

JULY 2020 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

PMI®
Manufacturing grew in July, as the PMI® registered 54.2 percent, 1.6 percentage points higher than the June reading of 52.6 percent. "The PMI® signaled a continued rebuilding of economic activity in July and reached its highest level of expansion since March 2019, when the index registered 54.6 percent. Four of the big six industry sectors expanded. The New Orders and Production indexes returned to strong expansion levels. The Supplier Deliveries Index remained at a more normal level of tension between supply and demand. Seven of the 10 subindexes registered expansion, up from five in June," says Fiore. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

A PMI® above 42.8 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the July PMI® indicates the overall economy grew in July for the third consecutive month following contraction in April. "The past relationship between the PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the PMI® for July (54.2 percent) corresponds to a 3.3-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis," says Fiore.

THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Month

PMI®


Month

PMI®

Jul 2020

54.2


Jan 2020

50.9

Jun 2020

52.6


Dec 2019

47.8

May 2020

43.1


Nov 2019

48.1

Apr 2020

41.5


Oct 2019

48.5

Mar 2020

49.1


Sep 2019

48.2

Feb 2020

50.1


Aug 2019

48.8

Average for 12 months – 48.6

High – 54.2

Low – 41.5

New Orders
ISM®'s New Orders Index registered 61.5 percent in July, an increase of 5.1 percentage points compared to the 56.4 percent reported in June. This indicates that new orders grew for the second consecutive month. "All of the top six industry sectors (Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment and Computer & Electronic Products) expanded. Demand improved in July, as demonstrated by 13 industry sectors expanding and only two contracting. The index achieved its highest level of performance since September 2018 (61.8 percent)," says Fiore. A New Orders Index above 52.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau's series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the 13 that reported growth in new orders in July — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; and Machinery. The two industries reporting a decline in new orders in July are: Textile Mills; and Paper Products.

New Orders

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

41.1

40.0

18.8

+22.3

61.5

Jun 2020

37.3

38.9

23.9

+13.4

56.4

May 2020

21.2

26.0

52.9

-31.7

31.8

Apr 2020

17.7

22.7

59.7

-42.0

27.1

Production
The Production Index registered 62.1 percent in July, up 4.8 percentage points from 57.3 percent in June, indicating growth for the second consecutive month. "Five of the top six industries expanded strongly and none contracted, a marked improvement from June. The index achieved its highest level of performance since August 2018, when it registered 63.1 percent," says Fiore. An index above 51.7 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board's Industrial Production figures.

The 16 industries reporting growth in production during the month of July — listed in order — are: Primary Metals; Wood Products; Textile Mills; Furniture & Related Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. No industries reported a decrease in production in July.

Production

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

41.6

39.9

18.5

+23.1

62.1

Jun 2020

39.2

37.7

23.1

+16.1

57.3

May 2020

20.7

27.8

51.5

-30.8

33.2

Apr 2020

18.6

21.2

60.2

-41.6

27.5

Employment
ISM®'s Employment Index registered 44.3 percent in July, 2.2 percentage points higher than the June reading of 42.1 percent. "This is the 12th consecutive month of employment contraction, at a slower rate compared to June. Only one of the six big industry sectors experienced expansion, as factories were able to achieve significant gains in output with a reduced labor pool. Long-term labor market growth remains uncertain, but strong new-order levels and an expanding backlog signify potential strength for the rest of the third quarter," says Fiore. An Employment Index above 50.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the five industries to report employment growth in July are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Furniture & Related Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Computer & Electronic Products. The 10 industries reporting a decrease in employment in July, in the following order, are: Transportation Equipment; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Fabricated Metal Products; and Machinery.

Employment

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

15.3

59.9

24.7

-9.4

44.3

Jun 2020

14.6

58.8

26.6

-12.0

42.1

May 2020

7.6

51.2

41.1

-33.5

32.1

Apr 2020

2.8

50.7

46.6

-43.8

27.5

Supplier Deliveries†
The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was slower in July, as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 55.8 percent. This is 1.1 percentage points lower than the 56.9 percent reported in June. "Suppliers continue to struggle to deliver, although at a slower rate compared to June. Plant interruptions, transportation challenges and continuing difficulties in supplier labor markets are still factors. The Supplier Delivery Index continues to reflect a healthier supply/demand balance compared to spring and early summer," says Fiore. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

Twelve of 18 industries reported slower supplier deliveries in July, listed in the following order: Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Wood Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The two industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in July are: Primary Metals; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components.

Supplier Deliveries

%Slower

%Same

%Faster

Net

Index

Jul 2020

22.2

67.4

10.5

+11.7

55.8

Jun 2020

22.9

68.1

9.0

+13.9

56.9

May 2020

41.0

54.2

4.9

+36.1

68.0

Apr 2020

55.8

40.3

3.9

+51.9

76.0

Inventories
The Inventories Index registered 47 percent in July, 3.5 percentage points lower than the 50.5 percent reported for June. Inventories contracted after two consecutive months of expansion. "Inventory levels were impacted by increases in production output and restrained by continuing supplier difficulties. Panelists also indicated restraint in increasing inventories due to uncertainty in overall future market demand," says Fiore. An Inventories Index greater than 44.3 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

The three industries reporting higher inventories in July are: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Paper Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The nine industries reporting a decrease in inventories in July — listed in order — are: Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment. Six industries reported no change in inventories in July compared to June.

Inventories

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

21.2

51.6

27.2

-6.0

47.0

Jun 2020

22.9

54.1

23.0

-0.1

50.5

May 2020

29.0

42.0

29.0

0.0

50.4

Apr 2020

31.7

37.2

31.2

+0.5

49.7

Customers' Inventories†
ISM®'s Customers' Inventories Index registered 41.6 percent in July, 3 percentage points lower than the 44.6 percent reported for June, indicating that customers' inventory levels were considered too low. "Customers' inventories are too low for the 46th consecutive month and moved further into 'too low' territory in July, a positive for future production," says Fiore.

Of the 18 industries, the two reporting higher customers' inventories in July are: Petroleum & Coal Products; and Furniture & Related Products. The 13 industries reporting customers' inventories as too low during July — listed in order — are: Wood Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Computer & Electronic Products.

Customers' Inventories

% Reporting

%Too High

%About Right

%Too Low

Net

Index

Jul 2020

74

12.6

58.0

29.4

-16.8

41.6

Jun 2020

74

15.4

58.4

26.1

-10.7

44.6

May 2020

75

21.8

48.7

29.5

-7.7

46.2

Apr 2020

73

21.7

54.2

24.1

-2.4

48.8

Prices†
The ISM® Prices Index registered 53.2 percent, 1.9 percentage points higher than the June reading of 51.3 percent, indicating raw materials prices increased for the second consecutive month. "Price increases were driven primarily by plastics, lumber, aluminum, copper and petroleum products. Price growth remains at a stable supplier/buyer relationship," says Fiore. A Prices Index above 52.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.

The 10 industries reporting paying increased prices for raw materials in July — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Wood Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Machinery. The two industries reporting a decrease in prices for raw materials in July are: Transportation Equipment; and Fabricated Metal Products. Six industries reported no change in prices in July compared to June.

Prices

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

22.7

61.2

16.2

+6.5

53.2

Jun 2020

18.5

65.6

15.9

+2.6

51.3

May 2020

13.9

53.8

32.3

-18.4

40.8

Apr 2020

10.0

50.6

39.4

-29.4

35.3

Backlog of Orders†
ISM®'s Backlog of Orders Index registered 51.8 percent in July, a 6.5-percentage point increase compared to the 45.3 percent reported in June, indicating order backlogs expanded after four consecutive months of contraction. "The return of backlog expansion is a positive for the future. Backlog expansion indicates that new-order intake was sufficient to offset production output and grow backlog during the period. Three of the six big industry sectors' backlogs expanded, an improvement from June. The index achieved its highest level of expansion since April 2019 (53.9 percent)," says Fiore.

The 10 industries reporting growth in order backlogs in July, in the following order, are: Wood Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Chemical Products; Machinery; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. In July, four industries reported lower backlogs: Textile Mills; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

Backlog of Orders

% Reporting

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

87

20.3

63.0

16.7

+3.6

51.8

Jun 2020

89

19.4

51.9

28.7

-9.3

45.3

May 2020

91

18.2

40.1

41.8

-23.6

38.2

Apr 2020

91

20.9

33.7

45.4

-24.5

37.8

New Export Orders†
ISM®'s New Export Orders Index registered 50.4 percent in July, up 2.8 percentage points compared to the June reading of 47.6 percent. "The New Export Orders Index expanded modestly after four straight months of contraction, with two of the six big industry sectors expanding. New export orders were a positive factor to the growth in new orders," says Fiore.

The six industries reporting growth in new export orders in July — in the following order — are: Furniture & Related Products; Wood Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The four industries reporting a decrease in new export orders in July are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; and Machinery. Seven industries reported no change in new export orders in July compared to June.

New Export Orders

% Reporting

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

74

14.8

71.4

13.9

+0.9

50.4

Jun 2020

75

13.8

67.7

18.5

-4.7

47.6

May 2020

77

14.3

50.6

35.2

-20.9

39.5

Apr 2020

79

12.0

46.5

41.5

-29.5

35.3

Imports†
ISM®'s Imports Index registered 53.1 percent in July, up 4.3 percentage points compared to the 48.8 percent reported for June. "Imports expanded after five consecutive months of contraction, reflecting increased U.S. demand. The index reached its highest level of expansion since February 2019, when it registered 55.3 percent," says Fiore.

The 11 industries reporting growth in imports in July — in the following order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The two industries reporting a decrease in imports in July are: Primary Metals; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

Imports

% Reporting

%Higher

%Same

%Lower

Net

Index

Jul 2020

85

17.4

71.4

11.2

+6.2

53.1

Jun 2020

83

15.3

67.1

17.6

-2.3

48.8

May 2020

84

13.6

55.4

31.0

-17.4

41.3

Apr 2020

86

20.4

44.6

35.1

-14.7

42.7

†The Supplier Deliveries, Customers' Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders and Imports indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.

Buying Policy
Average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures increased by four days in July to 136 days. Average lead time for Production Materials increased by three days to 66 days. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies decreased by one day to 35 days.

Percent Reporting

Capital Expenditures

Hand-to-Mouth

30 Days

60 Days

90 Days

6 Months

1 Year+

Average Days

Jul 2020

24

7

8

18

24

19

136

Jun 2020

25

7

9

17

24

18

132

May 2020

24

7

10

16

23

20

137

Apr 2020

26

6

11

17

20

20

133

Percent Reporting

Production Materials

Hand-to-Mouth

30 Days

60 Days

90 Days

6 Months

1 Year+

Average Days

Jul 2020

10

35

25

20

8

2

66

Jun 2020

11

37

25

18

7

2

63

May 2020

12

34

28

15

9

2

65

Apr 2020

14

33

23

20

8

2

64











Percent Reporting

MRO Supplies

Hand-to-Mouth

30 Days

60 Days

90 Days

6 Months

1 Year+

Average Days

Jul 2020

38

35

16

8

3

0

35

Jun 2020

38

37

15

7

2

1

36

May 2020

39

31

17

10

3

0

36

Apr 2020

39

32

14

10

4

1

40

About This Report
DO NOT CONFUSE THIS NATIONAL REPORT with the various regional purchasing reports released across the country. The national report's information reflects the entire U.S., while the regional reports contain primarily regional data from their local vicinities. Also, the information in the regional reports is not used in calculating the results of the national report. The information compiled in this report is for the month of July 2020.

The data presented herein is obtained from a survey of manufacturing supply executives based on information they have collected within their respective organizations. ISM® makes no representation, other than that stated within this release, regarding the individual company data collection procedures. The data should be compared to all other economic data sources when used in decision-making.

Data and Method of Presentation
The Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® is based on data compiled from purchasing and supply executives nationwide. The composition of the Manufacturing Business Survey Committee is stratified according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and each of the following NAICS-based industry's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP): Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing (products such as medical equipment and supplies, jewelry, sporting goods, toys and office supplies). The data are weighted based on each industry's contribution to GDP. According to the BEA estimates for 2018 GDP (released October 29, 2019), the six largest manufacturing sub-sectors are: Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. Beginning in February 2018 with January 2018 data, computation of the indexes is accomplished utilizing unrounded numbers.

Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month. For each of the indicators measured (New Orders, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, Imports, Production, Supplier Deliveries, Inventories, Customers' Inventories, Employment and Prices), this report shows the percentage reporting each response, the net difference between the number of responses in the positive economic direction (higher, better and slower for Supplier Deliveries) and the negative economic direction (lower, worse and faster for Supplier Deliveries), and the diffusion index. Responses are raw data and are never changed. The diffusion index includes the percent of positive responses plus one-half of those responding the same (considered positive).

The resulting single index number for those meeting the criteria for seasonal adjustments (PMI®, New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories) is then seasonally adjusted to allow for the effects of repetitive intra-year variations resulting primarily from normal differences in weather conditions, various institutional arrangements, and differences attributable to non-moveable holidays. All seasonal adjustment factors are subject annually to relatively minor changes when conditions warrant them. The PMI® is a composite index based on the diffusion indexes of five of the indexes with equal weights: New Orders (seasonally adjusted), Production (seasonally adjusted), Employment (seasonally adjusted), Supplier Deliveries (seasonally adjusted), and Inventories.

Diffusion indexes have the properties of leading indicators and are convenient summary measures showing the prevailing direction of change and the scope of change. A PMI® reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally declining. A PMI® above 42.8 percent, over a period of time, indicates that the overall economy, or gross domestic product (GDP), is generally expanding; below 42.8 percent, it is generally declining. The distance from 50 percent or 42.8 percent is indicative of the extent of the expansion or decline. With some of the indicators within this report, ISM® has indicated the departure point between expansion and decline of comparable government series, as determined by regression analysis. The Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® survey is sent out to Manufacturing Business Survey Committee respondents the first part of each month. Respondents are asked to report on information for the current month for U.S. operations only. ISM® receives survey responses throughout most of any given month, with the majority of respondents generally waiting until late in the month to submit responses to give the most accurate picture of current business activity. ISM® then compiles the report for release on the first business day of the following month.

The industries reporting growth, as indicated in the Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® monthly report, are listed in the order of most growth to least growth. For the industries reporting contraction or decreases, those are listed in the order of the highest level of contraction/decrease to the least level of contraction/decrease.

Responses to Buying Policy reflect the percent reporting the current month's lead time, the approximate weighted number of days ahead for which commitments are made for Capital Expenditures; Production Materials; and Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies, expressed as hand-to-mouth (five days), 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, six months (180 days), a year or more (360 days), and the weighted average number of days. These responses are raw data, never revised, and not seasonally adjusted since there is no significant seasonal pattern.

ISM ROB Content
The Institute for Supply Management® ("ISM") Report On Business® (both Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing) ("ISM ROB") contains information, text, files, images, video, sounds, musical works, works of authorship, applications, and any other materials or content (collectively, "Content") of ISM ("ISM ROB Content"). ISM ROB Content is protected by copyright, trademark, trade secret, and other laws, and as between you and ISM, ISM owns and retains all rights in the ISM ROB Content. ISM hereby grants you a limited, revocable, nonsublicensable license to access and display on your individual device the ISM ROB Content (excluding any software code) solely for your personal, non-commercial use. The ISM ROB Content shall also contain Content of users and other ISM licensors. Except as provided herein or as explicitly allowed in writing by ISM, you shall not copy, download, stream, capture, reproduce, duplicate, archive, upload, modify, translate, publish, broadcast, transmit, retransmit, distribute, perform, display, sell, or otherwise use any ISM ROB Content.

Except as explicitly and expressly permitted by ISM, you are strictly prohibited from creating works or materials (including but not limited to tables, charts, data streams, time-series variables, fonts, icons, link buttons, wallpaper, desktop themes, online postcards, montages, mashups and similar videos, greeting cards, and unlicensed merchandise) that derive from or are based on the ISM ROB Content. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the derivative works or materials are sold, bartered, or given away. You shall not either directly or through the use of any device, software, internet site, web-based service, or other means remove, alter, bypass, avoid, interfere with, or circumvent any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices marked on the Content or any digital rights management mechanism, device, or other content protection or access control measure associated with the Content including geo-filtering mechanisms. Without prior written authorization from ISM, you shall not build a business utilizing the Content, whether or not for profit.

You shall not create, recreate, distribute, incorporate in other work, or advertise an index of any portion of the Content unless you receive prior written authorization from ISM. Requests for permission to reproduce or distribute ISM ROB Content can be made by contacting in writing at: ISM Research, Institute for Supply Management, 309 West Elliot Road, Suite 113, Tempe, Arizona 85284-1556, or by emailing [email protected]. Subject: Content Request.

ISM shall not have any liability, duty, or obligation for or relating to the ISM ROB Content or other information contained herein, any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or delays in providing any ISM ROB Content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. In no event shall ISM be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of the use of the ISM ROB. Report On Business®, PMI®, and NMI® are registered trademarks of Institute for Supply Management®. Institute for Supply Management® and ISM® are registered trademarks of Institute for Supply Management, Inc.

About Institute for Supply Management®
Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) serves supply management professionals in more than 90 countries. Its 50,000 members around the world manage about US$1 trillion in corporate and government supply chain procurement annually. Founded in 1915 as the first supply management institute in the world, ISM is committed to advancing the practice of supply management to drive value and competitive advantage for its members, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable world. ISM leads the profession through the ISM Report On Business®, its highly regarded certification programs and the ISM Mastery Model®. This report has been issued by the association since 1931, except for a four-year interruption during World War II.

The full text version of the Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® is posted on ISM®'s website at www.ismrob.org on the first business day* of every month after 10:00 a.m. ET.

The next Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® featuring August 2020 data will be released at 10:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

*Unless the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

Contact:

Kristina Cahill


Report On Business® Analyst


ISM®, ROB/Research Manager


Tempe, Arizona


+1 480.455.5910


Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Institute for Supply Management

Related Links

http://www.ism.ws

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

icon3
440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers
icon1
9k+
Digital Media
Outlets
icon2
270k+
Journalists
Opted In
GET STARTED

Modal title

Also from this source

Services PMI® at 50%; September 2025 ISM® Services PMI® Report

Services PMI® at 50%; September 2025 ISM® Services PMI® Report

Economic activity in the services sector was unchanged in September, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest ISM® Services...

Manufacturing PMI® at 49.1%; September 2025 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report

Manufacturing PMI® at 49.1%; September 2025 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in September for the seventh consecutive month, following a two-month expansion preceded by...

More Releases From This Source

Explore

Banking & Financial Services

Banking & Financial Services

Publishing & Information Services

Publishing & Information Services

Aerospace, Defense

Aerospace, Defense

Airlines & Aviation

Airlines & Aviation

News Releases in Similar Topics

Contact PR Newswire

  • Call PR Newswire at 888-776-0942
    from 8 AM - 9 PM ET
  • Chat with an Expert
  • General Inquiries
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • Media Inquiries
  • Worldwide Offices

Products

  • For Marketers
  • For Public Relations
  • For IR & Compliance
  • For Agency
  • All Products

About

  • About PR Newswire
  • About Cision
  • Become a Publishing Partner
  • Become a Channel Partner
  • Careers
  • Accessibility Statement
  • APAC
  • APAC - Simplified Chinese
  • APAC - Traditional Chinese
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Czech
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Mexico
  • Middle East
  • Middle East - Arabic
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
  • Vietnam

My Services

  • All New Releases
  • Platform Login
  • ProfNet
  • Data Privacy

Do not sell or share my personal information:

  • Submit via [email protected] 
  • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

Contact PR Newswire

Products

About

My Services
  • All News Releases
  • Platform Login
  • ProfNet
Call PR Newswire at
888-776-0942
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Information Security Policy
  • Site Map
  • RSS
  • Cookies
Copyright © 2025 Cision US Inc.