The Inventories Index registered 49.3 percent in July, 4.8 percentage points lower than the 54.1 percent reported in June. An Inventories Index greater than 42.7 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

The four industries reporting higher inventories in July are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; and Transportation Equipment. The nine industries reporting decreases in inventories in July — listed in order — are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Fabricated Metal Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. Five industries reported no change in inventories in July compared to June.