In its latest report on manufacturers’ shipments, inventories and orders, the U.S. Census Bureau said new orders for manufactured durable goods in February increased $12.4 billion or 5.7% to $232.1 billion. This increase, up five of the last six months, followed a 3.8% January decrease.

Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 0.5%. Excluding defense, new orders increased 4.5%. Transportation equipment, up two of the last three months, drove the increase, $13.3 billion or 21.7% to $74.4 billion. This was led by nondefense aircraft and parts, which increased $9.0 billion.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in February, up five of the last six months, increased $2.2 billion or 1.0% to $229.3 billion. This followed a 0.7 percent January decrease. Transportation equipment, up three of the last four months, had the largest increase, $1.0 billion or 1.6% to $66.0 billion. This followed a 1.9% January decrease.

Nondefense new orders for capital goods in February increased $7.4 billion or 10.0% to $80.8 billion. This was the largest increase in five months. Shipments increased $0.1 billion or 0.2% to $70.8 billion. Unfilled orders increased $10.0 billion or 1.7% to $596.9 billion. Inventories increased $1.1 billion or 0.6% to $175.5 billion.

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