Imports of materials by manufacturers continued to expand in July as the Imports Index registered 53.5 percent, 2.5 percentage points higher than the 51 percent reported in June. This is the 23rd consecutive month of growth in imports.

The seven industries reporting growth in imports during the month of July — listed in order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products. The three industries reporting a decrease in imports during July are: Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Machinery. Eight industries reported no change in imports in July compared to June.