Manufacturing sales increased for the third consecutive month, rising 7.0% to $53.1 billion in July on higher sales of motor vehicle and parts. Nevertheless, manufacturing sales remained 5.4% below February’s pre-pandemic levels. Excluding the transportation industry, manufacturing sales grew 3.3%. Sales rose in 13 of 21 industries, representing more than two-thirds (68%) of total sales in the manufacturing sector. Capacity utilization rates rose as many industries continued to ramp up production. Manufacturing sales in constant dollars increased 6.1%, indicating a higher volume of products sold in July. Sales in the … (full story)
