Manufacturing — Manufacturing Activity Shows Regional Divergence While PMI Indicates Sustained Growth; Import Prices Signal Cost Pressures

Manufacturing · 2026-03-31

March manufacturing data reveals a complex but generally improving landscape across the U.S. The S&P Global PMI's rise to 52.4 marks eight consecutive months of growth, with new orders showing their strongest performance since October. This national momentum is playing out unevenly across regions, with Kansas City showing notable strength (composite index up to 11) while Richmond remains stagnant…