US Manufacturing Growth Accelerates to Four-Year High

2026-10-01 13:53 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI fell to 55.9 in September 2026 from a preliminary estimate of 57.0, but remained above August’s 53.9.

The latest reading was the strongest since May 2022, as output and new orders expanded at faster rates.

Firms reported a broad-based pickup in demand, with government and technology-related industries driving higher sales.

New business rose at its fastest pace since April and the second-strongest since May 2022.

In response, manufacturers sharply increased production, extending the current growth streak to 16 months.

Export sales, however, continued to decline amid tariffs and elevated shipping costs.

Employment growth also accelerated to its strongest level in more than five years, despite reports of difficulties finding suitable workers.

At the same time, vendor lead times lengthened at the fastest pace since August 2022, while inflationary pressures intensified.

Business confidence nevertheless remained positive.



News Stream
US Manufacturing Growth Accelerates to Four-Year High
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI fell to 55.9 in September 2026 from a preliminary estimate of 57.0, but remained above August’s 53.9. The latest reading was the strongest since May 2022, as output and new orders expanded at faster rates. Firms reported a broad-based pickup in demand, with government and technology-related industries driving higher sales. New business rose at its fastest pace since April and the second-strongest since May 2022. In response, manufacturers sharply increased production, extending the current growth streak to 16 months. Export sales, however, continued to decline amid tariffs and elevated shipping costs. Employment growth also accelerated to its strongest level in more than five years, despite reports of difficulties finding suitable workers. At the same time, vendor lead times lengthened at the fastest pace since August 2022, while inflationary pressures intensified. Business confidence nevertheless remained positive.
2026-10-01
US Manufacturing Growth Accelerates Sharply in September
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI jumped to 57.0 in September 2026 from 53.9 in August, well above market expectations of 53.6, according to the flash estimate. The reading marked the strongest improvement in manufacturing business conditions since May 2022, with all five components contributing to the increase. Production growth rebounded after weakening over the previous three months, reaching its fastest pace since April 2022, while new orders accelerated to their strongest rate in nearly four and a half years. Employment growth rose to its highest level since February 2021, while inventories also increased at a faster pace. Meanwhile, supplier delivery times lengthened to the greatest extent since July 2022.
2026-09-23
US Manufacturing Activity Revised Higher: S&P Global
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI was at 53.9 for a third consecutive month in August of 2026, revised higher from the flash estimate of 53.2, and aligned with the initial market expectations. Both output and new order growth eased in the period. Surveyees noted higher cost levels, with input inflation remaining well above the historical levels due to tariff uncertainties and the war in the Middle East, forcing companies to raise their charges. These developments drove firms to cite muted client appetite, resulting in the slowdown for new business. Still, higher production environments had manufacturers raise their purchasing activity for the eighth month running. Looking ahead, companies remained optimistic about their business, underpinning another period of employment growth.
2026-09-01