ISM’s New Export Orders Index registered 35.5 percent in December, 5.5 percentage points lower than the 41 percent reported in November. This is the third month of contraction following 70 consecutive months of growth in the New Export Orders Index.

The four industries reporting growth in new export orders in December are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The industries that reported decreases in new export orders in December are: Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.