US manufacturing PMI highest since August 2022, tensions slow supply
Business
The US manufacturing sector saw some growth in March 2026, with the Purchasing Managers's Index (PMI) hitting its highest mark since August 2022.
But it's not all smooth sailing; ongoing tensions between the US Israel, and Iran have slowed down supply chains and made it harder for manufacturers to get what they need on time.
Crude prices and tariffs squeeze manufacturers
Rising global crude prices are making things pricier for manufacturers, pushing input costs higher and raising concerns about inflation.
Meanwhile, new orders have dipped a bit as tariffs continue to constrain manufacturing and a loss of 100,000 factory jobs since early 2025.