US Census Bureau released, New orders for manufactured goods in February, up four of the last five months, increased $0.8 billion or 0.2 percent to $401.9 billion. This followed a 3.9 percent January decrease.
Shipments, down following four consecutive monthly increases, decreased $4.4 billion or 1.1 percent to $405.0 billion.
This followed a 0.1 percent January increase.
Shipment in textile mills and leather products fell 5 and 2.7 percent respectively in year 2006 compare to 2005, while textile products and apparel shipment increased 4.3 percent and 5.5 percent respectively.
Unfilled orders, up nine of the last ten months, increased $5.5 billion or 0.9 percent to $642.4 billion.
This was at the highest level since the series was first stated on a NAICS basis in 1992 and followed a 0.2 percent January decrease. The unfilled orders- to shipments ratio was 4.30, up from 4.25 in January.
Inventories, down following five consecutive monthly increases, decreased $1.7 billion or 0.4 percent to $473.8 billion. This followed a 1.1 percent January increase.
Inventories level fell in all textile mills, textile products, apparel and leather products by 3.3, 0.9, 1.1 and 2.6 percent respectively in year 2006 compare to 2005.
The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.17, up from 1.16 in January.
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