NY Manufacturing Activity Rebounds

The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index in the US jumped to 11 in April 2026, the highest in five months, compared to -0.2 in March sand beating forecasts of -0.5. The reading showed that manufacturing activity grew moderately in New York State, with 36% of firms reporting an increase in activity and 25% reporting a decrease. New orders (19.3 vs 6.4) and shipments (20.2 vs -6.9) increased significantly, and employment expanded (9.8 vs 5.8). However, input price increases accelerated (51 vs 36.6), supply availability is expected to worsen (-10.1 vs -3.9), and firms became less optimistic about the outlook (19.6 vs 31).

The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index in the US fell to -0.2 in March 2026 from 7.1 in February, well below forecasts of 3.2. The reading showed that manufacturing activity held steady in the New York State in March. New orders increased modestly (6.4 vs 5.8), while shipments declined (-6.9 vs -1). Unfilled orders rose (10.8 vs 9.1), delivery times lengthened (13.7 vs 4), and supply availability was slightly worse (-3.9 vs -1). Also, inventories increased (6.9 vs 7.1), employment rose modestly (5.8 vs 4) and the average workweek edged up (1.9 vs 2.1). The pace of input price increases declined significantly but remained elevated (36.6 vs 49.1), while the pace of selling price increases was little changed (21.4 vs 22.2). Meanwhile, firms remained optimistic that conditions would improve in the months ahead (31 vs 34.7), and capital spending plans strengthened (21.6 vs 18.2).

The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index fell to 7.1 in February 2026 from 7.7 in January, compared to forecasts of 7. Still, the reading showed that manufacturing activity continued to expand modestly in New York State and firms remained optimistic that conditions would continue to improve, with employment expected to grow. New orders increased (5.8 vs 6.6), while shipments held steady (-1 vs 16.3). Unfilled orders rose (9.1 vs -8.2) and delivery times were slightly longer (4 vs 0). Inventories increased somewhat (7.1 vs -2.1), while supply availability held steady (-1 vs -4.1). Employment (4 vs -9) and the average workweek (2.1 vs -5.4) increased slightly after falling last month. The pace of input price increases (49.1 vs 42.8) and selling price increases (22.2 vs 14.4) picked up. Capital spending plans strengthened (18.2 vs 10.3).