Latest News Stream - Factory Orders

Germany's factory orders rose 4.4% month-on-month in September 2026, recovering from a downwardly revised 10.1% slump in August but missing market forecasts for a 4.8% gain. It marked the fastest growth since March, driven largely by a 10.5% surge in automotive orders following weakness in the previous two months, partly due to production changeovers and factory shutdowns. Mechanical engineering orders also strengthened by 8.3%. In contrast, orders for aircraft, ships, trains and military vehicles fell 10.4% after strong demand earlier this year. By category, orders increased across capital goods (5.3%), intermediate goods (0.5%) and consumer goods (14.4%). Domestic orders surged 6.6%, while foreign demand rose 2.8%, supported by gains in both the euro area (4.5%) and non-euro area markets (1.6%). Excluding large-scale contracts, orders climbed 5.1%. On a less volatile three-month basis, factory orders edged up 0.2% in Q3 from the previous quarter, or 0.1% excluding large orders.

New orders for US manufactured goods increased 1.8% month over month in September 2026, following a revised 0.3% gain in August and comfortably exceeding market expectations of a 1.2% rise. This marked the strongest increase in factory orders since April, driven primarily by a 4.6% jump in transportation equipment orders, including a sharp 28.3% surge in civilian aircraft and parts. Orders for defense aircraft and parts also rose 5.8%, while motor vehicle orders edged up just 0.1% and orders for ships and boats dropped sharply by 9.9%. Elsewhere, demand increased for machinery (1.5%), computers and electronic products (0.8%), fabricated metal products (0.5%), and primary metals (0.4%). By contrast, orders for electrical equipment, appliances and components declined 0.3%. Excluding transportation, factory orders rose 1.3%, while orders excluding defense increased 2.0%, pointing to broader strength in manufacturing demand.

The UK’s total order book balance fell to -32 in October 2026, down from -9 in September and well below market expectations of -20, according to a survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The reading points to a sharp deterioration in new orders, highlighting continued challenges facing the UK manufacturing sector. CBI Senior Economist Cameron Martin said that persistently high costs were squeezing profitability, while weakening competitiveness and fragile business confidence continued to weigh on investment decisions. However, the survey’s quarterly measure of output expectations improved to -1 from -30 in July, suggesting a potential stabilization in manufacturing activity in the months ahead. Meanwhile, the quarterly gauge of domestic price expectations rose to +24 from +11, indicating that manufacturers anticipate stronger price pressures.

Germany’s factory orders plunged 10.6% month-on-month in August 2026, reversing an upwardly revised 3.2% increase in the prior month and far exceeding market expectations for a 1.0% decline. It was the first monthly drop since April, largely reflecting a 61.5% tumble in orders for aircraft, ships, trains and military vehicles after these surged more than twofold in July on an exceptionally high volume of large contracts. Demand weakened across capital goods (-15.3%), intermediate goods (-2.6%) and consumer goods (-7.3%). Domestic orders fell 17.3%, while foreign demand declined 5.4%, with orders from both the euro area (-5.4%) and non-euro area countries (-5.5%) decreasing. Excluding large-scale contracts, orders edged down just 0.1%. On a less volatile three-month basis, factory orders fell 1.3% in June-August from the previous three months, or 2.6% excluding large orders, pointing to continued weakness in underlying industrial demand.

New orders for US manufactured goods edged up by 0.1% month over month in August 2026, following a downwardly revised 0.8% increase in July and matching market forecasts. Non-durable goods orders rose by 0.3%, after a 0.7% increase previously, mainly supported by electrical equipment, appliances, and components (1% vs 0%); primary metals (1.2% vs. 2.1% in July) and machinery (1.1% vs. 1.5%). Conversely, orders declined for nondefense aircraft and parts (-4.3%) and fabricated metal products (-1.4%). Meanwhile, durable goods orders fell by 0.1%, reversing a 0.9% advance in the prior month. Excluding transportation, factory orders rose 0.3%, while excluding defense they increased 0.1%.

The UK’s total order book balance improved to -9 in September 2026 from -25 in August, marking the strongest reading since July 2023 and beating market expectations of -34. Export orders also improved, while remaining below “normal” at -9, but well above the historical average of -19. Output fell only marginally, with the balance improving sharply to -4 from -17. Manufacturers expect output to decline slightly again through December, at -6. Selling-price expectations also eased considerably to +12 from +22 in August, moving closer to the long-run average of +8 and suggesting some cooling in cost pressures. However, finished-goods inventories were only just adequate, with the balance falling to +2. The CBI said the data point to tentative stabilisation in manufacturing, but warned that high energy, employment and supply-chain costs continue to constrain firms. It said the upcoming Budget could help support investment and growth by reducing business costs and improving confidence.

Germany's factory orders rose 2.5% mom in July 2026, easing from an upwardly revised 3.7% gain in the previous month but outperforming market expectations of 0.3%. It was the third straight month of increase, mainly driven by large orders for shipbuilding, rail vehicle construction, and aircraft manufacturing (126.4%). Meanwhile, bookings for the automotive industry declined 12.5%. Capital goods (2.4%) and intermediate goods (4.3%) rose, while consumer goods slipped (-4.8%). Domestic demand surged (9.1%), while foreign orders dropped 2.1%, dragged by a 10.1% fall in orders from non-euro area countries that offset a 12.1% surge from the euro area. Excluding large-scale contracts, orders were 1.4% lower. On a less volatile three-month basis, demand increased 2.9% in May-July from the prior three months, though they dipped 2.2% when large orders were excluded.

New orders for US manufactured goods rose 0.9% month over month in July 2026, rebounding from a revised 0.2% decline in June and beating market expectations of a 0.6% increase. The increase was led by a 2.3% jump in transportation equipment orders, driven by a 12.7% surge in civilian aircraft and parts. Orders also rose for defense aircraft and parts (4.9%), ships and boats (5.3%) and motor vehicles (0.4%). Demand increased for primary metals (2.0%), machinery (0.8%) and fabricated metal products (0.6%), while orders fell for computers and electronic products (-1.1%) and electrical equipment, appliances and components (-0.3%). Excluding transportation, factory orders rose 0.6%, while excluding defense they increased 1.0%.

The Confederation of British Industry’s monthly industrial order-book balance improved sharply to -25 in August 2026 from -45 in July, marking the strongest monthly increase in more than five years and above expectations of -40. Although the reading still indicates declining orders, the improvement suggests greater resilience in the UK manufacturing sector despite the ongoing economic impact of the Iran conflict. Expectations for factory output also strengthened, while export orders moved into positive territory for the first time since June 2022. However, manufacturers continue to face significant cost pressures. The survey showed that expectations for selling prices increased to +22 from +11 in July, likely reflecting the recent rebound in crude oil prices and renewed concerns over input costs.

Germany's factory orders rose 3.1% mom in June 2026, picking up from a downwardly revised figure in May and easily beating market estimates of 0.3%. It was the strongest monthly growth since March, driven by robust demand for processing equipment and electronics and opticals (22.7%) as well as mechanical engineering (12.7%), with some firms noting large orders. Orders in the automotive industry also grew 3.8%. In contrast, bookings for aircraft, ships, trains, and military vehicles plunged 41.7% after a strong May. Capital goods (6.4%) and consumer goods (4.2%) rose, while intermediate goods fell (-2.5%). Domestic demand surged (7.8%), while foreign orders edged up 0.2%, lifted by a 10.2% jump in orders from non-euro area countries that offset a 14.0% fall from the euro area. Excluding large-scale contracts, orders fell 0.5%. On a less volatile three-month basis, demand gained 1.3% in April-June from the prior three months, though they were unchanged when large orders were excluded.

Factory orders in the United States eased 0.3% from the previous month to $656.5 billion in June of 2026, extending the revised 1.1% decline in the previous month, missing expectations of a 0.2% increase. It was the first month of back-to-back declines in nearly one year, indicating some impact from soaring energy costs due to the war in the Middle East and lingering impact from tariffs. Non-durable goods orders fell by 1.2% to $321.13 billion, amid lower prices for chemicals and petroleum derived products. In turn, durable goods orders inched higher by 0.5%, holding most of the 4.0% decline from May. Orders were lower for fabricated metal products (-0.6% to $45.2 billion) and transportation equipment (-0.1% to $114.1 billion), weighing against growth for machinery (0.3% to $43.8 billion) and computers and electronic products (3.2% to $31.1 billion).

The UK’s total order book balance remained at -45 in July 2026, matching the joint-lowest level since September 2020 and falling short of market expectations of -40. Rising costs and weak demand are squeezing manufacturers, forcing them to absorb pressure through tighter margins, reduced investment, and further job cuts. According to the CBI’s quarterly data, cost pressures for manufacturers surged in the three months to July, with unit costs rising at the fastest pace since the three months to October 2022. However, output expectations for the next three months improved slightly, edging up to -30 from -31 in June.

Germany's factory orders rose 1.9% month-over-month in May 2026, rebounding from a downwardly revised 3.2% drop in April and beating market estimates for a 1.2% gain. The recovery was driven mainly by large-scale orders for aircraft, ships, trains, and military vehicles, which jumped 85.0%. Demand also grew for electrical equipment (5.7%) and mechanical engineering (3.7%). However, orders declined in the automotive industry (-3.8%) and data processing, electronic, and optical products (-7.8%). Orders rose for capital goods (2.2%), consumer goods (2.4%), and intermediate goods (1.4%). Foreign demand gained 2.2%, supported by an 11.2% surge in orders from the euro area, while orders from non-euro area countries fell 3.2%. Domestic orders also went up 1.3%. Excluding large-scale contracts, orders still rose a solid 1.0%. However, on a less volatile three-month basis, new orders in March-May eased 0.2% from the prior three months, though they were up 4.1% when large orders were excluded.

Factory orders in the US fell 1.3% month-over-month in May 2026, following an upwardly revised 5.3% surge in April and compared with market expectations for a 1.8% decline. The decrease was driven by a 4.5% drop in durable goods orders, led by a 14% slump in transportation equipment, largely reflecting a 51.8% plunge in orders for nondefense aircraft and parts. Orders for electrical equipment, appliances, and components also slipped 0.3%. Excluding transportation, factory orders rose 1.9%, extending April's 1.7% increase. Gains were recorded in fabricated metal products (1.4%), machinery (2.1%), and computers and electronic products (0.2%). Meanwhile, orders for nondurable goods increased 2.2%.

The UK’s total order book balance fell to -45 in June 2026 from -41 in May, the lowest since September 2020 and worse than market expectations of -35. Output volumes dropped across most sectors, with food, drink & tobacco, mechanical engineering, paper, printing & media, and metal products among the hardest hit. Export demand also weakened, with export order books falling to -33 and remaining well below long-term averages. Firms continue to describe both domestic and overseas orders as below “normal” levels, reflecting fragile global demand conditions. Despite the downturn, selling price expectations remain elevated at 22, although this is a sharp easing from May’s 38. CBI economist Cameron Martin said manufacturers are facing weak demand and high costs, while uncertainty is limiting investment. He added that stabilisation in energy markets, including progress on US-Iran talks, could eventually ease pressures, but warned that recovery will take time.

Germany’s factory orders dropped 3.8% mom in April 2026, reversing a downwardly revised 4.5% increase in the prior month and missing market estimates for a 1.2% decline. It was the second monthly fall so far this year, reflecting weaker demand in the automotive industry (-5.3%), electrical equipment (-16.3%), and mechanical engineering (-7.4%). Orders declined across all major categories, including consumer goods (-6.7%), intermediate goods (-4.4%), and capital goods (-2.9%). Foreign demand weakened 4.2%, largely due to an 11.1% plunge in orders from the euro area, while orders from non-euro area countries grew 0.8%. Domestic orders also contracted by 2.9%. Excluding large-scale contracts, factory orders fell 3.8%. On a less volatile basis, new orders in the February-April period were 3.1% lower than in the previous three months. However, excluding large orders, new business rose 3.5%, suggesting underlying demand remained somewhat more resilient.

The UK’s total order book balance fell to -41 in May 2026 from -38 in April, slightly worse than market expectations of -40, CBI data showed. The reading is the lowest since September 2020 and well below its long-term average of -14. The Middle East conflict is feeding through to higher energy costs and renewed supply chain disruption, adding to challenges for manufacturers against an increasingly uncertain global backdrop. Weak demand persists, with selling price expectations rising to their strongest level since 2023. Output declined in 13 of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to May, led by falls in food, drink & tobacco, mechanical engineering, metal products, and paper, printing & media. Stocks of finished goods were seen as adequate, though the balance remained below historical norms.

Germany’s factory orders surged 5.0% mom in March 2026, sharply accelerating from an upwardly revised 1.4% growth in the prior month and easily topping market expectations of a 1% increase. The upturn was boosted by a positive trend in new orders across almost all economic sectors, including electrical equipment (21.5%), data processing equipment, electronic and optical products (14.4%), and mechanical engineering (6.9%). Order intake increased for all components, notably intermediate goods (9.2%), consumer goods (7.3%), and capital goods (2.1%). Foreign orders jumped 5.6%, boosted by demand from the euro area (10.1%) and non-euro area markets (2.7%). In addition, domestic orders grew 4.0%. Excluding large-scale contracts, total orders rose 5.1%, reaching their highest level since February 2023. On a less volatile basis, new orders in Q1 2026 fell 4.1% from the prior period, due to a very high volume of large orders at the end of 2025. Excluding large orders, they increased by 1.6%.

US factory orders rose 1.5% month-over-month to $630.4 billion in March 2026, beating market expectations of 0.5% and following an upwardly revised 0.3% increase in February. New orders for manufactured durable goods increased 0.8% to $318.9 billion, ending three straight months of declines. Computers and electronic products surged 3.6%, the most since March 2001, with electromedical, measuring, and control instruments up 7.9% to a record high amid an AI investment boom and data center construction. Transport equipment orders also rose 0.8%, led by vehicles (0.9%), defense aircraft and parts (17.8%), and ships and boats (30.9%). Gains were also seen in machinery (0.9%), electrical equipment, appliances, and components (0.8%), and primary metals (0.5%). Nondurable goods orders rose 2.1% to $311.5 billion, the highest level since October 2022. Excluding transportation, factory orders grew 1.6% in March, while excluding defense, orders rose 0.9%.