- Prior was +1.2%
- Sales increased in two of the seven subsectors
- Inventories +2.2% with all seven subsectors up
- Inventory-to-sales ratio 1.50 vs 1.53 prior
The largest increase came from the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector (+7.1%). The motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories subsector (-3.1% to $14.3 billion) posted the largest decrease.
Companies are likely stockpiling ahead of tariff fears and we will see more of that in March.
This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.