• Prior month 53.9
• Preliminary estimate for manufacturing PMI 53.2
• S&P global manufacturing PMI final 53.9

Details from S&P Global on the survey report:

• S&P Global US manufacturing PMI held at 53.9 in August, signaling another solid expansion in operating conditions.
• Production increased for the 15th consecutive month, but growth slowed to its weakest pace since February as higher prices and tight supplies weighed.
• New orders rose at a solid pace, little changed from July, with demand largely driven by the domestic market.
• Export orders declined for the 14th consecutive month. Tariffs weighed on foreign sales, although some firms reported improving demand from Europe.
• Supply pressures persisted, with delivery times lengthening markedly. Firms cited the Middle East war and tariff uncertainty as contributing factors.
• Manufacturers continued building inventories to protect against higher prices and delivery delays. Finished goods stocks increased at the fastest pace since May.
• Backlogs rose for the sixth consecutive month, reflecting higher order volumes and material shortages.
• Business confidence climbed to a three-month high, supporting the fastest pace of hiring so far in 2026.

Usamah Bhatti, Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence commented on the report saying:

“Growth in the US manufacturing economy remained welcome, but the August data point to some cracks in the sector’s health. Data covering most of the second quarter and the period to August indicated that stock building was a key driver of sustained growth in manufacturing output and demand. Moreover, both output and new order growth slowed in August amid concerns that further price rises and material shortages would weigh on the sector. Indeed, although purchasing activity and preproduction inventories increased further, manufacturers continued to report difficulties sourcing and receiving raw materials because of supply delays and price rises. These pressures were commonly linked to the war in the Middle East, which has exacerbated existing supply and inflationary pressures from tariffs. There were, however, areas of encouragement for US goods producers. Business expectations for output over the year ahead improved from July to a threemonth high, partly reflecting hopes for an end to the war and a smoother domestic policy path. Firms also noted that greater stability in conditions were likely to support business expansion and customer retention plans. In response, businesses raised employment at the strongest rate seen so far this year.

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at investinglive.com.