In its latest report on manufacturers’ shipments, inventories and orders, the U.S. Census Bureau said new orders for manufactured durable goods in June increased $9.9 billion or 4.2% to $244.5 billion.

This increase, up four of the last five months, followed a 5.2% May increase and was at the highest level since the series was first published on a North American Industry Classification System basis in 1992.

Excluding transportation, new orders increased slightly. Excluding defense, new orders increased 3%. Transportation equipment, also up four of the last five months, led the increase, $9.9 billion or 12.8% to $87.1 billion. This was led by nondefense aircraft and parts, which increased $6.5 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in June, down two of the last three months, decreased slightly to $229.8 billion. This followed a 1.3% May increase. Machinery, also down two of the last three months, drove the decrease, $0.4 billion or 1.2% to $34.2 billion. This followed a 1.1% May increase.

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