The US Census Bureau announced that new orders for manufactured goods in May, down two consecutive months, decreased $3.7 billion or 0.8 percent to $464.9 billion. This followed a 0.3 percent April decrease.
Shipments, up five of the last six months, increased $0.6 billion or 0.1 percent to $471.5 billion. This followed a virtually unchanged April increase.
Unfilled orders, down following two consecutive monthly increases, decreased $2.3 billion or 0.2 percent to $1,120.2 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent April increase. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.75, down from 6.83 in April.
Inventories, down following six consecutive monthly increases, decreased $0.3 billion or 0.1 percent to $648.9 billion. This followed a virtually unchanged April increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.38, unchanged from April.
By stage of fabrication, May materials and supplies increased 0.5 percent in durable goods and decreased 0.1 percent in nondurable goods. Work in process increased 0.1 percent in durable goods and decreased 0.1 percent in nondurable goods. Finished goods increased 0.2 percent in durable goods and decreased 1.0 percent in nondurable goods.