U.S. manufacturing added momentum in March, with stronger output and healthier order books pointing to a firmer start to spring. S&P Global’s final U.S. Manufacturing PMI climbed to 52.3, up from 51.6 in February, extending the current expansion streak to eight months. The survey found output growth accelerated and new orders rose at the fastest pace since October, suggesting manufacturers carried more traction into the spring than they had earlier in the year.

“That is the kind of report manufacturers like to see with their morning coffee,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “More output, more orders and more momentum is always welcome.” 4/1/2026