September US ISM data
Prior was 61.3
New orders 61.8 vs 65.1 prior
Employment 58.8 vs 58.5 prior (Highest since Feb)
Prices paid 66.9 vs 72.1 prior (lowest since Nov 2017)
- "The market is in a state of chaos with the latest round of tariffs. As an electronics original equipment manufacturer, our component prices have been impacted almost across the board. The tariffs have caused a mass rush to buy up inventories of affected products in order to minimize the long-term financial impact. This, in turn, is causing market constraints, which further drive up the cost and increase lead times." (Computer & Electronic Products)
- "Tariffs starting to take a bite out of profitability." (Chemical Products)
- "Business is strong and relatively stable. Tariffs are putting pressure on Chinese imports. Labor rates are increasing as it is very difficult to find help." (Furniture & Related Products)
- "The economy's strength is holding [and] outlook for the industry is positive, although continuing margin compression in consumer packaged goods is restricting general growth momentum from the greater economy." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)
- "Still extremely strong through November; starting to see a decline for steel prices for December." (Fabricated Metal Products)
- "General available capacity at suppliers continues to decrease, creating supply issues." (Machinery)
- "Tariffs are creating a drag on some of our export opportunities." (Plastics & Rubber Products)
- "Sourcing hourly workers for remote locations continues to be a challenge for both full-time and part-time opportunities. Have implemented a wide variety of recruiting techniques and suppliers to aid us in sourcing this hard-to-find talent." (Paper Products)
- "Orders are coming in, but from a limited number of customers. The future looks very promising." (Primary Metals)
- "Suppliers are impacted by China tariffs, [which is] delaying or cancelling manufacturing transfer projects." (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)
The comments are very interesting.