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Most current manufacturing indicators decline in May

Thursday, May 21, 2026 — 16:26:03 (UTC)

Most Current Manufacturing Indicators Decline in May

May 21, 2026

Philadelphia—Manufacturing activity in the region weakened overall, according to the firms responding to the May Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The diffusion index for current general activity fell from 26.7 in April to -0.4 in May after rising in each of the previous four months. The indicators for new orders and shipments also fell sharply this month. The firms continued to report an overall decline in employment, on balance. Price increases were less widespread this month, but both price indexes remained elevated. The survey’s broad indicators for future activity moved higher and continued to suggest expectations for growth over the next six months.

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Source: Company press release.

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