Prior month 53.9Preliminary estimate for manufacturing PMI 53.2S&P global manufacturing PMI final 53.9
Details from S&P Global on the survey report:
S&P Global US manufacturing PMI held at 53.9 in August, signaling another solid expansion in operating conditions.
Production increased for the 15th consecutive month, but growth slowed to its weakest pace since February as higher prices and tight supplies weighed.
New orders rose at a solid pace, little changed from July, with demand largely driven by the domestic market.
Export orders declined for the 14th consecutive month. Tariffs weighed on foreign sales, although some firms reported improving demand from Europe.
Supply pressures persisted, with delivery times lengthening markedly. Firms cited the Middle East war and tariff uncertainty as contributing factors.
Manufacturers continued building inventories to protect against higher prices and delivery delays. Finished goods stocks increased at the fastest pace since May.
Backlogs rose for the sixth consecutive month, reflecting higher order volumes and material shortages.
Business confidence climbed to a three-month high, supporting the fastest pace of hiring so far in 2026.
Usamah Bhatti, Economist at S&P Global Market
Intelligence commented on the report saying:
“Growth in the US manufacturing economy remained
welcome, but the August data point to some cracks in
the sector’s health. Data covering most of the second
quarter and the period to August indicated that
stock building was a key driver of sustained growth in
manufacturing output and demand. Moreover, both
output and new order growth slowed in August amid
concerns that further price rises and material shortages
would weigh on the sector.
Indeed, although purchasing activity and preproduction inventories increased further, manufacturers
continued to report difficulties sourcing and receiving
raw materials because of supply delays and price rises.
These pressures were commonly linked to the war in the
Middle East, which has exacerbated existing supply and
inflationary pressures from tariffs.
There were, however, areas of encouragement for US
goods producers. Business expectations for output
over the year ahead improved from July to a threemonth high, partly reflecting hopes for an end to the
war and a smoother domestic policy path. Firms also
noted that greater stability in conditions were likely to
support business expansion and customer retention
plans. In response, businesses raised employment at the
strongest rate seen so far this year.
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at investinglive.com.