Durable Goods Activity Signals Steady Manufacturing Despite Soft Orders

The US Census Bureau’s January 2026 Advance Durable Goods Report shows that new orders for manufactured durable goods in January were essentially unchanged, dipping marginally to $321.2 billion after a December decrease.

Shipments increased modestly, rising 0.6% to $314.2 billion, led by gains in transportation equipment.

Unfilled orders continued growing, reaching $1.54 trillion, while inventories also rose for the fourth consecutive month.

The data reflect mixed demand trends in the manufacturing sector, with transportation equipment playing a major role in recent activity and backlog growth.