NFIB Index Drops to 95.8 as Uncertainty and Cost Pressures Mount The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index declined three points to 95.8 in March, slipping below its long-term average of 98.0 and signaling a more cautious outlook among U.S. small businesses. The March reading marks the lowest level in nearly […]
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Expansion spreads globally, but inflationary pressure and geopolitical risk keep the recovery uneven. U.S. manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest pace in nearly four years in March, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI rising to 52.7 percent. That figure represented the highest reading since August 2022 and a modest increase from February’s 52.4 percent. Gains were […]
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Improving orders support U.S. output, though tariffs and regional divergence shape 2026 planning U.S. manufacturing activity returned to expansion in January for the first time in a year, offering a tentative sign of stabilization after a prolonged downturn. The improvement comes as global manufacturing remains uneven, with selective pockets of growth offset by lingering demand […]
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By Phillip M. Perry A modest uptick in economic growth, beneficial legislation from Washington and lower interest rates will help manufacturers boost profitability in 2026. The increasing costs of doing business, though, combined with uncertainty and consumer malaise, will reduce the number of business initiatives that make it off the drawing board. Companies need to […]
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Only China and the US saw improved PMI readings in September, as manufacturing softened across the rest of the globe U.S. manufacturing continued to contract in September for the seventh consecutive month, according to the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI Report. Despite a slight improvement in the headline index, manufacturers remain under pressure from weak demand, […]
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Brushware is pleased to announce the launch of Brushware Intelligence, a new monthly PDF newsletter created to provide brush, broom, mop, and paint product manufacturers with a deeper, data-driven view of the market. This exclusive resource offers the latest U.S. import and export statistics tailored to the brush industry. Going beyond raw numbers, Brushware Intelligence […]
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Declines in employment and supplier deliveries drive deeper contraction; tariff concerns continue to weigh on sentiment U.S. manufacturing conditions deteriorated in July, marking the fifth consecutive month of contraction, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business. After a short-lived rebound earlier in the year, the sector remains under pressure from policy uncertainty, shifting […]
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Inventory pullbacks, tariff disruptions and softening export demand weigh on factory performance U.S. manufacturing activity declined for the third straight month in May, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. After a brief rebound early in the year, producers are once again navigating headwinds tied to trade policy uncertainty, shifting inventory strategies, and […]
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Canada, Mexico and China PMI readings slip based on global trade policy concerns The U.S. manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in January, marking its first expansion after 26 consecutive months of decline, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. Supply chain executives reported stronger demand, improving production levels and stable employment conditions, […]
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Eurozone and UK Struggle Amid Demand Weakness, While Canada and India Show Resilience The US manufacturing industry faced contraction for the ninth consecutive month in December, marking the 25th month of decline out of the past 26, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. Released by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of […]
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