Skip to Main Content

Fifth District Survey of Manufacturing Activity

September 24, 2024

Fifth District manufacturing activity remained sluggish in September, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The composite manufacturing index edged down from −19 in August to −21 in September. Of its three component indexes, shipments decreased from −15 to −18, new orders increased from −26 to −23, and employment fell from −15 to −22.

The local business conditions index increased modestly but remained solidly in negative territory, while the index for future local business conditions rose from −18 to −6 in September. The future indexes for shipments and new orders both decreased but remained in positive territory, suggesting that firms continued to expect improvements in these areas over the next six months.

The vendor lead time index remained at −4 in September. On balance, firms continued to report declining backlogs in September as that index remained negative.

The average growth rate of prices paid increased in September, while the average growth rate of prices received decreased somewhat. Firms expected little change in price growth over the next 12 months.

Read Full Report
Download Current and Historical Data

Past Reports

Subscribe to Economic Data

Receive an email notification when regional surveys and reports are posted online:

Subscribe to Economic Data

By submitting this form you agree to the Bank's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice.

Phone Icon Contact Us
Regional Survey Team (571) 287-0448