6 Manufacturing Insights from Q2 2023 and What They Mean for You

April 27, 2023

As we progress in the second quarter, the manufacturing sector continues to contract as new order levels remain weak and improved supplier deliveries are reducing future production needs. Current railroad traffic and international shipping prices support this slowdown. The weaker demand is reducing input costs, as a result providing inflationary relief, though several commodities are experiencing price rebounds. We may see additional cost relief come from manufacturing-related wages following a deceleration trend in national wages. 

1. The manufacturing sector continues to contract further into 2023

Source: Institute of Supply Management (ISM)

Based on recent surveys of manufacturing companies, the industry continues to contract. Notably, backlogs weaken as new order levels decline, and improved supplier deliveries have reduced future production needs.

What this means for you: Expect demand to remain weak as new orders continue to decline. Consider cost mitigation strategies, such as scaling back production and staffing level changes.

2. Weakening demand helps bring inflationary relief to input costs

      Source: Bloomberg

After input prices weathered large increases due to expansionary monetary policies, prices decreased substantially, aided by rising interest rates which help curb inflation. However, pricing is not uniform; inputs, such as copper and steel, have experienced price rebounds recently.

What this means for you: Given the recent price volatility, look to take advantage when prices decline materially by either locking in supply contracts or purchasing forward, which can help with budgeting and your organization’s bottom line.

3. Interest in manufacturing-related jobs is coming off peak interest

Source: Google Trends

According to Google Trends data, interest in “warehouse jobs” and “factory jobs” continue to trend lower but remain historically high, nearing peak levels. Weaker demand and a slowdown in the manufacturing industry may have more manufacturers delaying hiring as they reduce production, forcing laborers to look for jobs in other industries.

What this means for you: Consider opportunities for flex labor, as manufacturers will be faced with the challenge of managing in a weaker demand environment with the desire to retain quality employees, some of whom were hired within the last few years and may replace employees retiring over the next decade. 

4. Wage growth remains elevated but shows signs of relief

Source: Bloomberg

National wage growth, while historically high, appears to have peaked and may begin trending lower. In March, manufacturing wage growth declined slightly after reaching an all-time high in February. 

What this means for you: Manufacturing wage growth tends to lag national trends. As a result, expect manufacturing wage growth to decelerate as the economy slows and demand for labor decreases. This should reduce some inflationary pressures. 

5. Shipping costs declining and approaching historical levels

         Source: Bloomberg

Shipping costs continue to revert to historical, pre-COVID levels. Year-to-date, costs from Shanghai to Los Angeles and Rotterdam ports for 40-foot containers have declined nearly 15%. 

What this means for you: The decline in demand for goods has the benefit of reducing demand for containers, helping to lower costs for shipping. Plan for costs to continue to decline as the US economy is expected to slow; however, most of the price decline has already occurred as shipping costs have begun reverting toward more traditional levels.

6. Diminishing railroad traffic continues to suggest weaker demand

  Source: Bloomberg

Leading railroad traffic data continues to trend lower and shows signs of demand further weakening in 2023. 

What this means for you: With expectations of economic growth to slow in the near-term, railroad traffic may continue to diminish. Pay close attention to railroad traffic and other measures of demand as the barometer for deciding on whether to scale back production or not and reprice your variable expenses as lower demand places downward pressure on prices.


Disclosures

Investment advisory services are offered by Aprio Wealth Management, LLC, a Securities and Exchange Commission Registered Investment Advisor.  Opinions expressed are as of the current date (April 24, 2023) and subject to change without notice. Aprio Wealth Management, LLC shall not be responsible for any trading decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses or opinions contained herein or their use, which do not constitute investment advice, are provided as of the date written, are provided solely for informational purposes and therefore are not an offer to buy or sell a security. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual. References to specific securities or investment options should not be considered an offer to purchase or sell that specific investment. 

This commentary contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially and/or substantially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those projected in the forward-looking statements for any reason. 

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Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Aprio Wealth Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Aprio Wealth Management, LLC and the Aprio Group of Companies are not affiliated with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments.

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About the Author

Simeon Wallis

Simeon is the Chief Investment Officer of Aprio Wealth Management and the Director of Aprio Family Office. Simeon brings two decades of professional investing experience in publicly traded and privately held companies, as well as senior-level operating and strategy consulting experiences.


Adam Beckerman

Adam Beckerman is Aprio’s Manufacturing and Distribution Leader and Assurance Partner. Adam's team of 30 professionals focus on the manufacturing industry with 20+ years of experience enabling the success of manufacturing start-ups, growth companies and businesses preparing for equity events.