From a bad July, shipments were Up +2.7% to $7.4 billion, an increase of +$197 million–a stark contrast to the very weak July which was down -5.7% compared to last year. On an inflation-adjusted basis, August shipments were up +1.7%. YTD shipments for January through August were up +0.4% compared to 2015, but down -0.6% after adjusting for inflation.
Dr. Webb says shipments are basically flat for the year. The number of establishments is still shrinking, meaning that even in a flat total market, there are firms absorbing the volume that would have gone to others. Essentially, all of the surviving firms can have increasing sales in a declining market.
Workflow and controlling costs remain the paramount focus for business.
Dr. Webb says shipments are basically flat for the year. The number of establishments is still shrinking, meaning that even in a flat total market, there are firms absorbing the volume that would have gone to others. Essentially, all of the surviving firms can have increasing sales in a declining market.
Workflow and controlling costs remain the paramount focus for business.
