New orders for manufactured goods in March, up following two consecutive monthly decreases, increased $4.9 billion or 0.9 percent to $539.0 billion, the US Census Bureau reported today. This followed a 1.1 percent February decrease.
Shipments, down four of the last five months, decreased $0.6 billion or 0.1 percent to $539.9 billion. This followed a 0.9 percent February decrease.
Unfilled orders, up 30 of the last 31 months, increased $4.2 billion or 0.4 percent to $1,159.7 billion. This followed a 0.1 percent February decrease. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.04, down from 6.11 in February.
Inventories, down three consecutive months, decreased $6.2 billion or 0.8 percent to $799.4 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent February decrease. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.48, down from 1.49 in February.