Texas Manufacturing Sector Downturn Eases

2025-05-27 14:38 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

The Dallas Fed’s general business activity index for Texas manufacturing rose to -15.3 in May 2025 from a near five-year low of -35.8 in April, pointing to a fourth month of contraction, though less severe than the month before.

The company outlook index remained negative but improved to -11.3 from -28.3, while the outlook uncertainty index fell to 12.7, indicating a slower rise in uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the production index fell to near zero, indicating flat output after modest growth in March and April, and new orders rose to -8.7 from -20.0.

Capacity utilization edged up to -1.5, and shipments rebounded into positive territory at 0.5.

Labor market measures suggested a slight increase in head counts and shorter workweeks this month.

On the price front, inflationary pressures remained above average in May, though wage growth stayed soft.

Expectations for manufacturing activity six months ahead improved, with the future production index rising 16 points to 31.1.



News Stream
US Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index Falls in March
The Dallas Fed's general business activity index for Texas manufacturing fell to -0.2 in March 2026 from 0.2 in February, indicating no change in activity. However, the company outlook index dropped nearly seven points to -3.5, moving into negative territory. The outlook uncertainty index surged 20 points to 26.0, its highest reading since April 2025. Employment growth stalled and workweeks were flat in March. The employment index came in near zero, with 15 percent of firms reporting net hiring and 16 percent reporting net layoffs. The hours worked index fell to 0.9 from 6.1. Price pressures were little changed while wage growth slowed. The finished goods prices index and raw materials prices index held relatively steady at 18.4 and 32.7. The wages and benefits index fell to 25.2 from 31.9. Looking ahead, manufacturers expect increased activity in six months. The future production index held steady at 35.7 and the future general business activity index fell two points to 10.6.
2026-03-30
US Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index Inches Up in February
The Dallas Fed’s general business activity index for Texas manufacturing rose to 0.2 in February 2026 from -1.2 in the prior month, signaling near-stable conditions. Company outlook held steady at 3.1, while uncertainty rose to 6.5 but stayed below average. Employment growth continued, with the index unchanged at 7.5, workweeks lengthened as hours worked jumped to 6.1 from 0.7. Pricing pressures were mixed: finished goods prices held at 17.9, while raw materials costs eased to 31.7 from 36.7. Wage growth surged, the wages and benefits index climbed to 31.9 from 17.4. Looking ahead, manufacturers are optimistic: future production rose five points to 34.3, and future business activity dipped to 12.7.
2026-02-23
Texas Manufacturing Activity Improves Sharply in January
The Dallas Fed’s general business activity index for Texas manufacturing increased 10 points to -1.2 in January 2026, reversing December’s contraction, while the outlook index rebounded into positive territory at 2.9, indicating an improvement in perceptions of broader business conditions. Manufacturing activity strengthened across the board. The production index jumped to 11.2, signaling a solid expansion in output. New orders rose 18 points to 11.8, capacity utilization moved up 12 points to 7.1, and the shipments index increased to 12.0. Labor market indicators pointed to resumed hiring and steady workweeks. The employment index increased to 8.2, with firms reporting net hiring. The hours worked index moved up to 0.7, indicating no change in hours worked. Selling price pressures increased, input price pressures were little changed and wage growth slowed slightly.
2026-01-26