Economic activity in the manufacturing sector in the USA grew in December for the 19th consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 38th consecutive month, according to the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. The report showed that 14 out of the 20 manufacturing sectors monitored by the institute reported growth. These sectors included: leather, computers, furniture, chemicals, apparel, and textiles.

The report was issued by Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee and group director, strategic sourcing and procurement, Georgia-Pacific Corporation. "December's PMI, driven by a significant increase in the New Orders Index, is very encouraging as growth has accelerated for the second consecutive month. This completes a strong year for manufacturing based on the ISM data, as the overall index averaged above 60 per cent for 2004. While there is continuing upward pressure on prices, the rate of increase is slowing and definitely trending in the right direction."