US Manufacturing Activity Shrank in May for a Third Month
- In May, U.S. Manufacturing continued to shrink for the third month in a row, with the ISM manufacturing index declining to 48.5, marking a level below the neutral threshold of 50.
- The contraction follows weak consumer spending in April and ongoing uncertainty caused by frequent tariff changes and unresolved trade deals, particularly with China, affecting suppliers and investment plans.
- Seven manufacturing industries reported contraction led by paper products and wood, while seven others expanded, including plastics, rubber, and petroleum, amid the largest inventory contraction in four months.
- Susan Spence stated that, despite current challenges, the economy remains in a phase of growth over the long term, and she expressed optimism that resolving tariff uncertainties will help ease the difficulties faced by suppliers.
- The sustained manufacturing weakness and tariff-related uncertainty suggest continued softening demand and cautious business planning, while economist Stuart Paul noted low customer inventories could support future order increases.
21 Articles
21 Articles


US manufacturing activity contracted in May for a third month
U.S. factory activity contracted in May for a third consecutive month and a gauge of imports fell to a 16-year low as firms pulled back in the face of higher tariffs.
Manufacturing Index Shows Continued Contraction in May
U.S. manufacturing activity declined in May, marking the fourth straight month of contraction, while import levels fell to their lowest point since 2009, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) monthly survey released on June 2. The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index registered 48.5 percent in May, down from 48.7 percent in April. A reading below 50 signals contraction in the sector, which accounts for about 10 percent …
US Manufacturing Activity Contracted in May for a Third Month - Bloomberg Intelligence
Watch Alix and Paul LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. Bloomberg Intelligence hosted by Paul Sweeney and Alix Steel Today’s Podcast Features are: Susan Spence, Chair of ISM Manufacturing PMI at Institute for Supply Management, discusses ISM Manufacturing data. US factory activity contracted in May for a third consecutive month and a gauge of imports fell to a 16-year low as firms pulled back in the face of higher tariffs. Sam Faz…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage