US Manufacturing Sector Grows the Most Since 2022

2026-05-01 13:51 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI was revised upward to 54.5 in April 2026, from a preliminary estimate of 54.0 and above March’s 52.3, indicating the strongest expansion in the manufacturing sector since May 2022.

New orders increased at the fastest pace in four years, despite an eleventh consecutive monthly decline in exports due to tariffs and the Middle East conflict.

Output growth accelerated to its highest level since April 2022, driven by stockpiling efforts to mitigate rising price and supply pressures tied to the war.

Finished goods inventories recorded their first net increase in three months.

Purchasing activity rose at the sharpest rate in four years, while employment levels fell for the first time in nine months, and by the most in a year and a half.

On the price front, input cost inflation reached a ten-month high, and output charges rose at the fastest pace since June 2025.

Business confidence also improved to its highest level since February 2025.



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US Manufacturing Sector Grows the Most Since 2022
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI was revised upward to 54.5 in April 2026, from a preliminary estimate of 54.0 and above March’s 52.3, indicating the strongest expansion in the manufacturing sector since May 2022. New orders increased at the fastest pace in four years, despite an eleventh consecutive monthly decline in exports due to tariffs and the Middle East conflict. Output growth accelerated to its highest level since April 2022, driven by stockpiling efforts to mitigate rising price and supply pressures tied to the war. Finished goods inventories recorded their first net increase in three months. Purchasing activity rose at the sharpest rate in four years, while employment levels fell for the first time in nine months, and by the most in a year and a half. On the price front, input cost inflation reached a ten-month high, and output charges rose at the fastest pace since June 2025. Business confidence also improved to its highest level since February 2025.
2026-05-01
US Manufacturing PMI Jumps to Near Four-Year High
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI climbed to 54.0 in April 2026, up from 52.3 in March and surpassing market expectations of 52.5, according to preliminary data. This marks the strongest improvement in factory business conditions since May 2022, driven by production growth hitting a four-year high and new orders rising at the fastest pace since May 2022. Input inventories also contributed positively, increasing marginally but at the quickest rate since January. Supplier delivery times lengthened significantly, the most since August 2022, boosting the PMI, though some delays stemmed from Middle East war-related supply constraints rather than pure demand-driven vendor activity. The sole negative factor was employment, which contracted for the first time since July 2025.
2026-04-23
US Manufacturing Growth Remains Solid in March
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI held at 52.3 in March 2026, slightly below the preliminary estimate of 52.4 but up from 51.6 in February. The reading signals solid expansion in the sector, driven by stronger output and new orders, particularly from domestic demand, as businesses stockpiled supplies and secured pricing amid the Middle East conflict. However, international sales continued to decline, hampered by tariffs and shipping challenges. Employment levels remained flat, while supplier delivery times worsened to the greatest extent in 3.5 years, reflecting war-related transportation disruptions and vendor stock shortages. Cost pressures intensified, with input inflation reaching its highest level since August 2025 and output charges rising at the fastest pace in seven months. Business confidence dipped slightly, as firms expressed concerns over rising energy prices and tariffs.
2026-04-01