ISM’s Backlog of Orders Index registered 47.5 percent in October, which is 6 percentage points higher than the 41.5 percent reported in September. Of the 82 percent of respondents who reported their backlog of orders, 19 percent reported greater backlogs, 24 percent reported smaller backlogs, and 57 percent reported no change from September.

The two industries reporting increased order backlogs in October are: Plastics & Rubber Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The eight industries reporting decreases in order backlogs during October — listed in order — are: Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Apparel, Leather & Allied Products. Seven industries reported no change in backlog of orders in October compared to September.