US Kansas Fed Manufacturing Activity Rises in March

2026-03-26 15:32 By Larissa Caser 1 min. read

The Kansas City Fed's Manufacturing Index edged up to 11 in March 2026, an increase from 10 in February.

Both durable and non-durable production increased, led by wood products on the durable side and by paper, plastics, and rubber on the non-durable side.

The month-over-month composite index rose to 11, up from 5 in February.

Most indicators remained in positive territory, with the exception of new export orders, which declined from 0 to -4.

The number of employees index rebounded to 7 from -6.

Year-over-year indexes were mixed: new orders for exports, number of employees and finished goods inventory remained negative, while backlog of orders and the average employee workweek rebounded to positive territory.

Other indicators continued to post positive readings, although capital expenditures declined to 5 from 8.

Looking ahead, expectations for future activity strengthened further, with the index rising to 16 from 15.



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US Kansas Fed Manufacturing Activity Rises in March
The Kansas City Fed's Manufacturing Index edged up to 11 in March 2026, an increase from 10 in February. Both durable and non-durable production increased, led by wood products on the durable side and by paper, plastics, and rubber on the non-durable side. The month-over-month composite index rose to 11, up from 5 in February. Most indicators remained in positive territory, with the exception of new export orders, which declined from 0 to -4. The number of employees index rebounded to 7 from -6. Year-over-year indexes were mixed: new orders for exports, number of employees and finished goods inventory remained negative, while backlog of orders and the average employee workweek rebounded to positive territory. Other indicators continued to post positive readings, although capital expenditures declined to 5 from 8. Looking ahead, expectations for future activity strengthened further, with the index rising to 16 from 15.
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