S&P Global US manufacturing PMI declines to 51.8 in December

2nd Jan 2026 15:01

(Sharecast News) - The S&P Global US manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 51.8 in December, easing from 52.2 in November and marking the softest expansion in the sector's five‑month growth spell.

New orders fell for the first time in twelve months, while export demand declined for a seventh straight month amid ongoing tariff and trade frictions.

Output growth also moderated, although firms continued to build inventories for a fifth consecutive month, albeit at a slower pace than November's record accumulation, while employment rose solidly as manufacturers filled vacancies ahead of expected improvements in 2026.

On the price front, input cost inflation eased to an 11‑month low but remained historically elevated, while selling price growth slowed to its weakest rate since early 2025.

Business confidence deteriorated, reflecting softer order flows and continued uncertainty around trade policy.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com