US Manufacturing Hits 4-year High, with AI Buildout a Major Driver of Growth, though Price Volatility Looms: Survey

Manufacturing activity in July hit a four-year high, with massive AI infrastructure investment a major driver of growth — even as industry leaders sounded the alarm over price volatility, according to a survey released Monday.

The Institute for Supply Management’s July manufacturing gauge jumped to 55.6 – expanding at its fastest pace since May 2022 and marking its seventh consecutive month of growth, the survey said.

Any reading above 50 in the ISM’s monthly survey indicates growth while any measure below 50 signals contraction.

Susan Spence, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, said increased certainty around President Trump’s tariff policy and hopes for a more permanent deal to end the war in Iran helped encourage the boost in manufacturing.

“My gut is, it’s not just a one- or two-month trend,” Spence told reporters. “Companies are seeing six or more months of these solid demand factors going in the right direction.” (Read more from “US Manufacturing Hits 4-year High, with AI Buildout a Major Driver of Growth, though Price Volatility Looms: Survey” HERE)