Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in October, even while the overall economy grew for the 126th consecutive month, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business.

Timothy R. Fiore, chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, commented, “The October PMI registered 48.3%, an increase of 0.5 percentage point from the September reading of 47.8%. The New Orders Index registered 49.1%, an increase of 1.8 percentage points from the September reading of 47.3%. The Production Index registered 46.2%, down 1.1 percentage points compared to the September reading of 47.3%. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 44.1%, down 1 percentage point compared to the September reading of 45.1%. The Employment Index registered 47.7%, a 1.4-percentage point increase from the September reading of 46.3%. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 49.5%, a 1.6-percentage point decrease from the September reading of 51.1%. The Inventories Index registered 48.9%, an increase of 2 percentage points from the September reading of 46.9%. The Prices Index registered 45.5%, a 4.2-percentage point decrease from the September reading of 49.7%. The New Export Orders Index registered 50.4%, a 9.4-percentage point increase from the September reading of 41%. The Imports Index registered 45.3%, a 2.8-percentage point decrease from the September reading of 48.1%.

“Comments from the panel reflect an improvement from the prior month, but sentiment remains more cautious than optimistic. October was the third consecutive month of PMI contraction, at a slower rate compared to September. Demand contracted, with the New Orders Index contracting marginally, the Customers’ Inventories Index moving into ‘about right’ territory and the Backlog of Orders Index contracting for the sixth straight month (and at a faster rate). The New Export Orders Index surged into expansion territory, likely contributing to the slowing contraction of the New Orders Index. Consumption (measured by the Production and Employment indexes) contracted, due primarily to lack of demand, but contributed positively (a combined +0.3-percentage point increase) to the PMI calculation. Inputs — expressed as supplier deliveries, inventories and imports — were again lower in October, due primarily to supplier delivery contraction offset by improvements in inventories. This resulted in a combined 0.4-percentage point net improvement in the Supplier Deliveries and Inventories indexes. Imports contraction quickened. Overall, inputs indicate (1) supply chains are meeting demand and (2) companies are more confident that materials received will be consumed in a reasonable time period. Prices decreased for the fifth consecutive month, at a faster rate.”

Fiore added, “Global trade remains the most significant cross-industry issue. Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products remains the strongest industry sector and Transportation Equipment the weakest sector. Overall, sentiment this month remains cautious regarding near-term growth.”

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, five reported growth in October:

• Furniture & Related Products
• Printing & Related Support Activities
• Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products
• Wood Products
• Computer & Electronic Products

The 12 industries reporting contraction in October — in the following order — were:

• Primary Metals
• Apparel, Leather & Allied Products
• Textile Mills
• Transportation Equipment
• Plastics & Rubber Products
• Machinery
• Chemical Products
• Petroleum & Coal Products
• Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components
• Fabricated Metal Products
• Miscellaneous Manufacturing
• Paper Products