US Manufacturing Sector Picks up in May, Work Backlogs Rising: ISM

US Manufacturing Sector Picks up in May, Work Backlogs Rising: ISM
Autonomous robots assemble an X model SUV at the BMW manufacturing facility in Greer, S.C., Nov. 4, 2019. Charles Mostoller/Reuters File Photo
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WASHINGTON—U.S. manufacturing activity picked up in May as pent-up demand amid a reopening economy boosted orders, but unfinished work piled up because of shortages of raw materials and labor.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said on Tuesday its index of national factory activity increased to a reading of 61.2 last month from 60.7 in April.