U.S. Manufacturing Slips Again as Tariffs and Uncertainty Weigh on Growth

American manufacturing continued its downward slide in November, marking the ninth consecutive month of contraction. A key industry gauge dropped to 48.2%, its lowest level in four months, indicating ongoing strain across factory floors nationwide. Any reading below 50% signals a decline in activity, and this persistent slump highlights the growing pressure facing producers.

Businesses report that shifting tariff policies, combined with the fallout from a prolonged government shutdown and rising global uncertainty, have pushed up costs and dampened demand. New orders fell for the third month in a row, counteracting a modest rise in production. Many manufacturers say these conditions are making it harder to hire and plan ahead confidently.

Despite occasional pockets of resilience, the broader picture shows an industry struggling to regain momentum. With both domestic and international challenges clouding the outlook, manufacturers remain cautious as they navigate another month of soft business conditions.