US January ISM manufacturing 50.9 vs 49.8 prior

• Prior was 49.2
• Prices paid 54.9 vs 53.5 expected (prior 52.5)
• Employment 50.3 vs 45.3 prior
• New orders 55.1 vs 52.1 prior
• Production 52.5 vs 49.9 prior
• Imports 51.1 vs 49.7 prior

Comments in the report:

• “Customer orders slightly stronger than expected. Seeing more
  general price increases for chemicals/raw materials. No International
  Longshoremen’s Association strike is a tremendous help.” [Chemical
  Products]
• “Alleviating supply chain conditions are noticeably pivoting back
  into acute shortage situations, with headwinds following. For aerospace
  and defense companies, critical minerals supply chains are tightening
  dramatically due to Chinese restrictions. Concerns are growing of an
  environment of more supply chain shortages.” [Transportation Equipment]
• “As the U.S. administration transfers, we will continue to monitor
  impact of tariffs on materials used for manufacturing. China stimulus is
  helping us win orders and increase use of services and consumables.
  Cost pressures remain for all materials and parts but are starting to
  stabilize.” [Computer & Electronic Products]
• “Volume in 2025 is targeting 2-percent growth. The organization is
  mindful of potential tariffs and what to do with re-routing or cost
  increases in supply chains that are impacted.” [Food, Beverage &
  Tobacco Products]
• “Although we are in our busy season, our demand for the first two
  weeks of 2025 has outpaced normal levels for this period of time.”
  [Machinery]
• “Business is slowly improving.” [Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components]
• “Capital equipment sales are starting 2025 off strong. Normally, we
  see a soft start to the year, so this strong start is unusual.”
  [Fabricated Metal Products]
• “New orders are still good but decreasing compared to previous
  quarters. Working through current backlog.” [Miscellaneous
  Manufacturing]
• “Automotive order demand continues to be consistent and on a steady
  pace. Beginning to look at hiring additional team members once again.
  Pricing is holding firm. Having to work overtime to cover plant
  inefficiency to date.” [Primary Metals]
• “Looking forward to a year of strong customer demand and higher sales than 2024.” [Textile Mills]

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.