The Institute for Supply Management's Purchasing Manufacturer's Index (PMI) rose 1 percent to 51.6 percent in September, indicating expansion in the US manufacturing sector for the 26th consecutive month. The production index in particular registered 51.2 percent in September, indicating a return to growth after contracting in August for the first time since May 2009, and the new orders index remained unchanged from August at 49.6 percent--a decline in activity for the third consecutive month.
Exports drove manufacturing growth in September, rising 3 percent to 53.5 percent from August to September, while the import index fell 1 percent. The employment index was positive in September, increasing 2 percent to 53.8 percent.
Despite overall growth in the manufacturing sector, six of the 18 manufacturing industries contracted in September, including both primary metals and fabricated metal products.