ISM Manufacturing PMI Above Forecasts, Prices Soar

2026-04-01 14:07 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

The ISM Manufacturing PMI for the US increased to 52.7 in March 2026 from 52.4 in February and above forecasts of 52.5.

The reading pointed to the strongest growth in factory activity since August 2022, led by a faster increase in production (55.1 vs 53.5) while new orders slowed (53.5 vs 55.8) and employment contracted slightly faster (48.7 vs 48.8).

Also, the prices index jumped to 78.3, the highest since June 2022, from 70.5.

“The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated a further slowing for the fourth month in a row (58.9 vs 55.1).

March "also marks the first report with panelists citing the Iran war as a new impact to their business, along with ongoing uncertainty with U.S.

economic policy, despite the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs.

In March, 64% of comments overall were negative.

Among the negative comments, about 20% cited tariffs and about 40% the war in the Middle East", Susan Spence, Chair of the ISM said.



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