2026.02.2315:07:13UTC+00US Factory Orders Ease as Expected

New orders for manufactured goods in the United States declined by 0.7% in December 2025 from the previous month, to a seasonally adjusted $617.5 billion. This pullback followed a six‑month high of $621.9 billion in November and was broadly in line with market expectations for a 0.5% decrease.

Orders for durable goods fell 1.4% to $319.9 billion, driven primarily by a 5.4% drop in transportation equipment orders to $113.9 billion. The weakness in transportation equipment was entirely attributable to a sharp 24.8% decline in nondefense aircraft and parts orders, which fell to $26.7 billion.

Outside of transportation, several major categories posted gains. Orders increased for computers and electronic products (3.1% to $27.9 billion), machinery (0.5% to $40.4 billion), fabricated metal products (0.9% to $42.6 billion), and primary metals (2.1% to $27.6 billion).

Meanwhile, orders for nondurable goods were essentially flat for the second consecutive month, holding at $297.6 billion.