U.S. durable goods shipments increased 0.9% in September to $336.8 billion, following a 0.2% decline in August, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories, and Orders (M3) report. Transportation equipment led the increase, rising 1.4% to $111.1 billion. Unfilled orders also continued to grow, increasing 0.8% to $1.62 trillion, while inventories rose 0.3% to $610 billion, marking 12 consecutive months of growth.
According to the same Census Bureau report, nondefense capital goods orders climbed 6.2% to $107.8 billion, suggesting stronger demand for business equipment and investment. Shipments in this category rose 1.7% to $97.1 billion, while unfilled orders increased to $968.4 billion. In contrast, defense capital goods orders fell 1.8% to $20.8 billion, while shipments and unfilled orders rose modestly.
The September data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate continued momentum in American manufacturing, supported by rising shipments, growing order backlogs, and stronger nondefense capital goods demand. However, the figures are seasonally adjusted but not inflation-adjusted.
