6 Manufacturing & Distribution Insights from Q4 2023 and What They Mean for You

The ISM Manufacturers Index showed early signs of improvement as production increased and new orders contracted at a slower rate. Railroad traffic, a leading indicator for manufacturing demand, has also been increasing. Additionally, input prices continue to trend lower due to concerns over global growth. According to Google Trends data, interest in “warehouse jobs” and “factory jobs” remains high, signaling future growth in the manufacturing sector. While container and trucking rates are near recent history lows, early signs indicate they may not move much lower. Supply chain sustainability continues to gain global attention as companies respond to customer and supplier interests in sustainability.

1. The ISM Index shows signs that the worst may be over for manufacturers

ISM Snapshot

Manufacturing PMI readings above 50 indicates industry expansion and below 50, a contraction. September readings highlight improvements in the manufacturing sector as production grows faster and the rate of contraction for new orders slows.

What this means for you: Expect conditions to improve moving forward. While new orders are still contracting (albeit at a slower rate), input prices are lower, indicating the worst is over for the manufacturing sector. Look to negotiate competitive pricing on input prices, while preparing for increased new orders.

2. Input prices continue to cool

Input Prices

Input prices continue to trend mostly lower as slowing global growth concerns pressure prices. Stimulative efforts from the Chinese Government to offset economic weakness created a rally in iron ore prices as investors speculate on future demand.

What this means for you: Lower input prices can reduce production costs, which provides an opportunity to gain market share by offering products at more competitive prices or use the savings to invest in technology that can improve the scalability and quality of your business.

3. Interest in manufacturing-related jobs continues to trend higher

Google Trends for “warehouse jobs” & “factory jobs”

According to Google Trends data, interest in “warehouse jobs” and “factory jobs” continue to trend higher and sit near peak levels of interest. With signs of improving manufacturing conditions, we could see more job openings created which could be met with strong levels of factory and warehouse candidate interest.

What this means for you: Expect there to be continued interest in manufacturing jobs. Develop recruiting plans to meet anticipated future growth needs if the manufacturing sector continues to show signs of a rebound.

4. Container and trucking rates remain historically low

Container and Trucking Rates

After flying high with post-pandemic inflation, higher interest rates and concerns over global growth rates have sharply reduced container and trucking rates. Yet, the Baltic Exchange Dry Index shows signs that shipping rates may have reached a bottom as recently it has started trending higher.

What this means for you: With shipping rates near multi-year lows, consider locking in these lower prices with your logistics suppliers, ideally with longer-than-normal contracts. Should container and trucking rates start to rise, your lower negotiated contract prices could bring opportunities to increase profits and improve your supply chain.

5. Railroad traffic shows leading signs of increased demand for manufacturing

Monthly Railroad Traffic

Railroad traffic has been a leading indicator in demand for manufacturing as it is associated with increased economic activity and movement of raw materials and goods. Outside of the seasonal year-end drop, railroad traffic has been strong and trending higher in recent months.

What this means for you: Railroad traffic is one of the early signs of a potential recovery in manufacturing. Start planning for a stronger demand environment so that you can scale profitably.

6. Google Trend data shows elevated interest in supply chain sustainability

Google Trends: Supply Chain Sustainability

Supply chain sustainability is trending worldwide as companies increasingly recognize the revenue opportunities related to customer and supplier interests in sustainability across their supply chains.

What this means for you: With a rising interest in supply chain sustainability, consider ways to incorporate it into your supply chain. For example, adopt renewable energy sources, optimize transportation logistics, reduce waste, increase use of sustainable packing materials and extending the life of your products. Showing progress matters. Aprio’s ESG Advisory Practice can help you start moving the needles on these initiatives.

Disclosures

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