United States factory orders dropped in December due to a large decrease in aircraft orders, the U.S. Census Bureau said today.
Orders fell 0.7% to US$617.5 billion during the month, down from 2.7% growth in November. Reuters-polled economists had expected an 0.6% decrease.
“Shipments, up two of the last three months, increased $3.1 billion or 0.5 percent to $609.2 billion,” according to the agency. Shipments had dipped by 0.2% in November.
Orders for commercial aircraft and parts plummeted 24.8% to $26.7 billion in December, despite a 98.2% rise in November. While Boeing reported an increase in orders from November, these models were less expensive, according to the company.
The aircraft industry is also experiencing an engine shortage, with engine values soaring to represent as much as 80% of a new aircraft. Airbus lowered its 2026 delivery targets last week, citing a lack of engines from U.S.-based Pratt & Whitney.
Orders for new transportation equipment shed 5.4% overall, weighed down by the drop in the aircraft segment. Ships and boats also dipped 4.6%, while motor vehicle bodies, parts, and trailers were up 2%.
New orders for mining, oilfield, and gas field machinery rose 8.5%, though this eased from November’s 17.3% spike.
Computers and electronic products also saw 3.1% growth in orders, increasing from 0.6%.
