In its latest report on manufacturers’ shipments, inventories and orders, the U.S. Census Bureau said new orders for manufactured durable goods in April increased $7.2 billion or 3.3% to $222.6 billion. This increase, up two of the last three months, followed a 5.9% March decrease. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 1.3%. Excluding defense, new orders increased 2.1%.

Transportation equipment, also up two of the last three months, led the increase, $5.1 billion or 8.1% to $67.6 billion. This was led by nondefense aircraft and parts, which increased $1.9 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in April, down following two consecutive monthly increases, decreased $1.3 billion or 0.6% to $227.1 billion. This followed a 0.9% March increase. Computers and electronic products, down three of the last four months, led the decrease, $0.8 billion or 2.9% to $27.6 billion. This followed a 3.3% March increase.

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