04-May-2026 09:12

US manufacturing conditions saw a significant improvement in April, with the S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 54.5, up from 52.3 in March. This marks the strongest growth in the manufacturing sector since May 2022. The boost was driven by a sharp increase in production and new orders, which rose at the fastest rate in four years. However, much of this growth was linked to stock building efforts due to rising raw material prices and ongoing supply chain disruptions. As a result, both input and output prices surged at the steepest rates in ten months.

Despite the growth, export demand remained weak, with international sales declining for the eleventh consecutive month, partly due to tariffs and the ongoing war in the Middle East. Additionally, manufacturers faced challenges in securing materials, leading to longer lead times and rising backlogs. Employment levels fell for the first time in nine months as companies hesitated to replace voluntary leavers due to cost concerns. On a positive note, manufacturers are optimistic about the year ahead, expecting the impact of tariffs and the war to ease.

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