U.S. factory orders accelerated in March 2026, rising 1.5% month-over-month, up sharply from a 0.3% gain in February, according to data updated on 4 May 2026. The latest figures signal a strengthening in manufacturing demand as the sector moves further into the second quarter.
The comparison is measured on a month-over-month basis, with March’s 1.5% increase reflecting a much faster pace than February 2026, when orders inched up just 0.3% versus January. The pick-up suggests that underlying industrial activity is firming after a more subdued start to the year.
While the data do not break down performance by industry, the headline improvement in factory orders indicates broader support for U.S. manufacturing output and could be a positive sign for near-term production, investment planning, and related employment trends in the sector.
