Friday, September 14, 2012

More on the Manufacturing Slowdown

From the latest ISM report:
  • "Internal indicators and feedback from sales channels are indicating a slowdown in demand for capital equipment." (Machinery)
  • "Business continues to be very solid, but there is now a slowing of incoming orders." (Fabricated Metal Products)
  • "Incoming orders have slowed somewhat, but indications are that there will be a stronger fourth quarter." (Plastics & Rubber Products)
  • "Business is slow right now. Companies seem to be holding onto their money." (Computer & Electronic Products)
  • "We can sense, feel and see headwinds with customer orders, especially Europe related." (Apparel, Leather & Allied Products)
  • "New orders and backlog remain flat." (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)
  • "Auto industry slowing a bit in the second half [of the year]." (Transportation Equipment)
  • "U.S. drought severely impacting raw materials prices." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)
  • "Lackluster demand continues in all regions of the world, and is supporting much lower raw materials prices in the second half of 2012." (Chemical Products)
 Note that most of the anecdotal comments state that demand is slowing.  Also note there are two which deal with the international implications -- one specifically mentions Europe and one mentions all regions of the world.

This does not bode well for the second half of the year.