ISM: Manufacturing expanded in March to 18-month high

Following 16 months of contraction, US manufacturing activity expanded in March, according to the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

The ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.3% in March, up 2.5 percentage points February. The index is now at the highest level recorded since September 2022. A reading above 50 indicates the manufacturing economy is growing, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.