New orders for manufactured durable goods in February increased $4.5 billion or 2.2% to $211.8 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced in its advance report.
This increase, up four of the last five months, followed a 3.6% January decrease. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 1.6%. Excluding defense, new orders increased 1.7%.

Transportation equipment, up three of the last four months, had the largest increase, $2.1 billion or 3.9% to $57.9 billion. This was led by nondefense aircraft and parts, which increased $1 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in February, down following two consecutive monthly increases, decreased $0.8 billion or 0.4% to $206.6 billion. This followed a 0.1% January increase.

Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods in February, up 22 of the last 23 months, increased $11.5 billion or 1.3% to $930.3 billion. This followed a 0.7% January increase.

Inventories of manufactured durable goods in February, up 26 consecutive months, increased $1.6 billion or 0.4% to $373.7 billion.

Machinery, up 23 consecutive months, had the largest increase, $0.6 billion or 0.9% to $62.2 billion.

To read the full advance report news release, click here.