ISM’s Imports Index registered 49.5 percent in October, which is 5 percentage points lower than the 54.5 percent reported in September. This is the first month of contraction in the index following 25 consecutive months of growth.

The five industries reporting growth in imports during the month of October are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Fabricated Metal Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The eight industries reporting a decrease in imports during October — listed in order — are: Primary Metals; Textile Mills; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Chemical Products; and Apparel, Leather & Allied Products.