Latest Purchasing Managers Economic Survey

Manufacturing Summary

Expectations for 2005 remain high as 72 percent of survey respondents forecast revenues to be greater in 2005 than in 2004. However, expectations are lower overall as the panel of purchasing and supply executives now expects a 6.8 percent net increase in overall revenues for 2005 compared to a 7.8 percent revenue growth forecast in December 2004. Industries expecting double-digit improvement in 2005 are: Primary Metals; Wood & Wood Products; Transportation & Equipment; and Electronic Components & Equipment.

Non-Manufacturing Summary

Sixty-eight percent of non-manufacturing purchasing and supply executives expect their 2005 revenues to be greater than in 2004. They currently expect a 5.3 percent net increase in overall revenues compared to a 5.9 percent increase predicted for 2005 last December. Non-manufacturing industries expecting the greatest improvement over 2004 are — listed in order — Business Services; Mining; Wholesale Trade; Construction; and Health Services.

Source: National Association of Purchasing Managers, May 2005 Survey.