New orders for manufactured durable goods in March decreased $8.8 billion or 4.2% to $202.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced in its advance report. This decrease, down two of the last three months, followed a 1.9% February increase. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 1.1%. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 4.6%.

Transportation equipment, also down two of the last three months, had the largest decrease, $7.1 billion or 12.5% to $49.7 billion. This was due to nondefense aircraft and parts, which decreased $7.7 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in March, up three of the last four months, increased $2.0 billion or 1.0% to $208.8 billion. This followed a 0.3% February decrease. Machinery, up four of the last five months, had the largest increase, $2.0 billion or 6.5% to $32.9 billion.

Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods in March, up 23 of the last 24 months, increased slightly to $930.1 billion. This followed a 1.2% February increase. Computers and electronic equipment, up three consecutive months, had the largest increase, $0.7 billion or 0.6% to $125.6 billion.

To read the full advance report news release click here.