The U.S. Manufacturing Industry Sinks to New Lows as Companies Struggle with Soft Demand
The U.S. manufacturing industry is facing substantial challenges as it experienced a significant decline last month, with companies grappling with soft demand. The latest data from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reveals that the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) registered a 12-month low of 46% in June, raising concerns about a potential recession later this year. This reading represents a decline from May’s figure of 46.9% and indicates an industry in economic contraction, as any reading below 50.0% suggests.
The dip of 0.9 percentage points can be largely attributed to a notable drop in production levels, as demand eased and companies lost confidence in a rebound during the second half of the year. Tim Fiore, chair of the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, expressed his concerns about the state of the U.S. manufacturing sector, stating, “The June composite index reading reflects companies continuing to manage outputs down as softness continues and optimism about the second half of 2023 weakens.”
Furthermore, Fiore warned about the possibility of layoffs if there is no improvement in the situation. In fact, manufacturers have already started trimming their staff as a response to weak demand and a lack of work. Fiore stated, “Demand remains weak, production is slowing due to lack of work, and suppliers have capacity. There are signs of more employment reduction actions in the near term.”
Another indicator for the manufacturing sector, the S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI, fared slightly better with a reading of 46.3, down from 48.4 in May. However, this decline signifies the sharpest month-to-month drop of the year, driven by a significant decrease in new orders. The report attributes this decline in orders to customers pulling back amid high inflation and interest rates.
Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, expressed his concerns over the deteriorating state of the U.S. manufacturing sector, stating, “The health of the US manufacturing sector took a sharp turn for the worse in June, adding to concerns over the economy potentially slipping into recession in the second half of the year.” Williamson highlighted the severe drop in demand for goods, with new orders slumping at a rate comparable to the global financial crisis of 2009.
According to ISM survey respondents, some customers have become less inclined to make purchases far in advance, as hopes for an economic bounceback in the second half of the year have diminished. There were, however, a few bright spots within the reports. Out of the 15 manufacturing sectors, only four reported growth in June: printing & related support activities, nonmetallic mineral products, primary metals, and transportation equipment. A respondent from the nonmetallic mineral products sector commented, “Here we are almost halfway through the year, and while things are challenging, we may be doing all right.”
The current state of the U.S. manufacturing industry is undoubtedly concerning, with the decline in demand and production levels raising fears of a potential recession. It will be crucial for companies to closely monitor and adapt to these challenges, seeking innovative solutions that can help navigate the uncertain economic landscape.
Source: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/manufacturing-pmi-ism-s-and-p-june-looming-recession-layoffs/685274/
