New orders for manufactured goods in August, up two consecutive months, increased $0.7 billion or 0.2 percent to $453.1 billion, the US Census Bureau reported today. This followed a 1.4 percent July increase.
Shipments, up five of the last six months, increased $0.1 billion or virtually unchanged to $458.1 billion. This followed a 0.4 percent July decrease.
Unfilled orders, down three consecutive months, decreased $1.6 billion or 0.1 percent to $1,123.2 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent July decrease. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.81, up from 6.79 in July.
Inventories, up two consecutive months, increased $1.0 billion or 0.2 percent to $622.0 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent July increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.36, unchanged from July.
By stage of fabrication, August materials and supplies decreased 0.4 percent in durable goods and in nondurable goods. Work in process increased 0.4 percent in durable goods and increased 1.3 percent in nondurable goods. Finished goods increased 0.5 percent in durable goods and increased 0.1 percent in nondurable goods