The manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) in its quarterly report for 27 industries predicted modest growth for US manufacturers in Q1, 2012.

 MAPI’s December 2011index slipped one point since the last index in September, to 66 points, and held above 50 for nine consecutive quarters, which is indicative of future growth.

Donald Norman, MAPI economist stated that ““Despite the challenges posed by slower economic growth and continued problems in the construction and financial sectors, the manufacturing sector is the ‘Energizer Bunny’ of the U.S. economy,” and…

For the first time in 5 months, the JP Morgan manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) displayed an increase in manufacturing output. The December global value stood at 50.8 and represented an expansion as any index value over 50 indicates an expansion in the manufacturing sector.

US manufacturing increased by 3.3% in December. Global jobs growth also hit a 5 month high, despite a relatively weak performance by Asia and the Eurozone economies.

In regards Irish exporters, any upturn in global economics is indeed very welcome indeed.

The US manufacturing Index grew by an impressive 1.9 points in November, according to the US’s Institute of Supply management, which is the highest reading since April 2011. Export orders also grew by 2% in November.

November represented the 28^th consecutive month of expansion in the US manufacturing sector. Respondents to the ISM report on business were said to be more optimistic about the next few months due to lower costs of raw materials and a healthier order pipeline.

To read the full report from the Institute of Supply Management please click here………

Surging ahead by a momentous 1.9 points in November, the US Manufacturing Index has attained its highest reading since June. This also represented the 28^th month of consecutive growth in the US manufacturing sector.

Bradley J. Holcomb, chair of the Institute for Supply Chain stated that "The PMI registered 52.7 percent, an increase of 1.9 percentage points from October's reading of 50.8 percent, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 28th consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased 4.3 percentage points from October to 56.7 percent, reflecting the second month of growth…