United States Kansas Fed Manufacturing Index

The Kansas City Fed’s Manufacturing Production Index climbed to 19 in June 2026 from 9 in the prior month, marking the highest reading since April 2022. Growth was observed in the durable manufacturing sector, led by transportation equipment, while the nondurable sector was driven by food manufacturing. Month-over-month readings were largely positive, aside from inventories. The new orders index remained in positive territory (13 vs 13), while shipments picked up to 20 from 7 and employment rebounded to 10 from -4. Also, new export orders moved to zero from -3, while supplier delivery times shortened to 16 from 24. Meanwhile, price pressures intensified, with prices paid for raw materials rising to 68 from 63 and prices received for finished products increasing to 33 from 29. Year-on-year, most indicators remained positive. Expectations for future activity remained expansionary with the composite index staying at 19.

The Kansas City Fed’s Manufacturing Production Index edged down for a second consecutive month to 9 in May 2026 from 10 in April. It is the lowest reading in four months, as durable manufacturing activity growth slowed further, driven by declines in transportation equipment, while nondurable manufacturing activity continued to increase, driven primarily by paper and printing manufacturing. Most month-over-month indexes were positive except for new orders for exports, employee count, and raw material inventories.

The Kansas City Fed’s Manufacturing Production Index edged down to 10 in April 2026 from a four-month high of 11 in March, signalling a slight slowdown in factory activity. Durable goods manufacturing declined, while nondurable production increased further, driven mainly by food manufacturing. Month-over-month readings were broadly positive, except for export orders and employment. On a year-over-year basis, most indicators remained positive, though backlog of orders, employment, and materials inventories were negative. Looking ahead, expectations for future activity improved, with the composite index rising from 16 to 18, as projections for production and new orders strengthened further.