The U.S. Census Bureau reported new orders for manufactured durable goods in May decreased $1.4 billion or 0.6% to $248.8 billion. This decrease, down two consecutive months, followed a 1.0% April decrease. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 0.3%. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 1.5%. Transportation equipment, also down two consecutive months, led the decrease, $0.9 billion or 1.0% to $86.1 billion.
Shipments of manufactured durable goods in May, down following nine consecutive monthly increases, decreased $0.2 billion or 0.1% to $246.9 billion. This followed a virtually unchanged April increase. Transportation equipment, down two consecutive months, drove the decrease, $0.5 billion or 0.6% to $82.1 billion.
Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods in May, up six of the last seven months, increased $5.9 billion or 0.5% to $1,160.6 billion. This followed a 0.6% April increase. Transportation equipment, also up six of the last seven months, led the increase, $4.0 billion or 0.5% to $800.3 billion.
Inventories of manufactured durable goods in May, up 18 of the last 19 months, increased $1.1 billion or 0.3% to $403.0 billion. This followed a 0.3% April increase. Transportation equipment, up five of the last six months, led the increase $0.5 billion or 0.4% to $129.0 billion.
Nondefense new orders for capital goods in May decreased $1.6 billion or 2.0% to $77.1 billion. Shipments increased $2.3 billion or 3.0% to $76.4 billion. Unfilled orders increased $0.7 billion or 0.1% to $714.5 billion. Inventories increased $0.4 billion or 0.2% to $176.6 billion. Defense new orders for capital goods in May increased $1.7 billion or 15.1% to $13.3 billion. Shipments decreased $0.5 billion or 4.4% to $11.5 billion. Unfilled orders increased $1.8 billion or 1.2% to $147.0 billion. Inventories increased $0.1 billion or 0.5% to $22.4 billion.
Like this story? Begin each business day with news you need to know! Click here to register now for our FREE Daily E-News Broadcast and start YOUR day informed!