New orders for US manufactured goods in August, up 15 of the last 16 months, increased $6.2 billion or 1.2 percent to $515.7 billion, the US Census Bureau reported today. This followed a 0.7 percent July increase.
Shipments, also up 15 of the last 16 months, increased $0.3 billion or 0.1 percent to $508.3 billion. This followed a 1.5 percent July increase.
Unfilled orders, up seven consecutive months, increased $11.9 billion or 1.0 percent to $1,239.4 billion. This followed a 0.5 percent July increase. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.86, up from 6.81 in July.
Inventories, up 14 of the last 15 months, increased $4.1 billion or 0.6 percent to $749.3 billion. This followed a 0.6 percent July increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.47, unchanged from July.