US Factory Orders Slide 1.1 Percent as Economic Uncertainty Clouds Demand

Durable goods orders dropped more than expected in November, signaling headwinds for America’s manufacturing sector in an uncertain economy.

A factory worker is seen at a wind tower manufacturing plant in Pueblo, Colo., on Nov. 29, 2023. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

A U.S. Census Bureau report released on Dec. 23 revealed a sharper-than-expected decline in new orders for durable goods in November, with the pullback in demand for goods ranging from household appliances to heavy machinery signaling persistent challenges for America’s manufacturing sector amid heightened economic uncertainty.

The report revealed a 1.1 percent drop in durable goods orders for November, following an upwardly revised 0.8 percent increase in October. Forecasters expected a more modest 0.4 percent decline in November, with Monday’s print representing a big miss.