NY Manufacturing Activity Rises the Most in Over 4 Years

2026-05-15 12:37 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index in the US unexpectedly increased to 19.6 in May 2026 from 11 in April, above forecasts of 7.5.

The reading showed that New York State manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in over four years.

New orders (22.7 vs 19.3) and shipments (18.9 vs 20.2) increased considerably for the second consecutive month and unfilled orders rose (4.9 vs 9.1).

Also, employment levels (8.3 vs 9.8) and the average workweek (11.5 vs 13.7) both continued to increase.

Meanwhile, delivery times lengthened substantially (20.4 vs 12.1), and supply availability worsened somewhat (-10.7 vs -10.1).

The pace of input price increases (62.6 vs 51) and selling price increases (31.8 vs 21.8) picked up sharply.

Looking ahead, firms grew more optimistic about the outlook (33.5 vs 19.6).

Employment is expected to grow while capital spending plans remained modest.

Prices are expected to continue to rise, and supply availability is expected to worsen.



News Stream
NY Manufacturing Activity Rises the Most in Over 4 Years
The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index in the US unexpectedly increased to 19.6 in May 2026 from 11 in April, above forecasts of 7.5. The reading showed that New York State manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in over four years. New orders (22.7 vs 19.3) and shipments (18.9 vs 20.2) increased considerably for the second consecutive month and unfilled orders rose (4.9 vs 9.1). Also, employment levels (8.3 vs 9.8) and the average workweek (11.5 vs 13.7) both continued to increase. Meanwhile, delivery times lengthened substantially (20.4 vs 12.1), and supply availability worsened somewhat (-10.7 vs -10.1). The pace of input price increases (62.6 vs 51) and selling price increases (31.8 vs 21.8) picked up sharply. Looking ahead, firms grew more optimistic about the outlook (33.5 vs 19.6). Employment is expected to grow while capital spending plans remained modest. Prices are expected to continue to rise, and supply availability is expected to worsen.
2026-05-15
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).
2026-04-15
NY Manufacturing Activity Stalls in March
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).
2026-03-16