US Manufacturing Activity Shows Signs of Weakness in March

The latest report from S&P Global has highlighted a noticeable decline in manufacturing activity across the United States for the month of March. The seasonally adjusted Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to 50.2, a decrease from February's 52.7. Although the figure remains above the neutral 50 mark, it represents the slowest growth rate observed so far this year.

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, commented on the findings: "The initial momentum in the US manufacturing sector at the start of the year has notably weakened in March. Factors such as optimism around the new administration and efforts to preempt tariffs had initially supported the sector. However, signs of strain are emerging, with production declining for the first time in three months and order books thinning."