In its latest report on manufacturers’ shipments, inventories and orders, the U.S. Census Bureau said new orders for manufactured durable goods in May increased $8 billion or 3.6% to $231 billion.

This increase, up three of the last four months, followed a 3.6% April increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.7%. Excluding defense, new orders increased 3.5%.

Transportation equipment, also up three of the last four months, led the increase, $6.9 billion or 10.2% to $74.3 billion. This was led by nondefense aircraft and parts, which increased $6.3 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in May, up three of the last four months, increased $2.8 billion or 1.2% to $229.7 billion. This followed a 0.6% April decrease. Transportation equipment, also up three of the last four months, led the increase, $2.4 billion or 3.6% to $69.3 billion. This followed a 0.9% April decrease.

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