New orders for US-manufactured durable goods rose 0.8% in March 2026 from the previous month to $318.9 billion, rebounding from a revised 1.2% decline in February and coming in slightly above market expectations for a 0.5% increase. The data suggest some renewed momentum in goods demand despite a sharp rise in uncertainty during the month, as the war with Iran drove energy prices higher and disrupted global shipping.
Orders increased sharply for computers and electronic products, up 3.7% to $29.6 billion, in line with strong demand for AI-related products. Gains were also recorded in machinery (up 0.8% to $41.8 billion), primary metals (up 0.4% to $28.8 billion), electrical equipment (up 0.8% to $18.3 billion), and the typically volatile transportation equipment category (up 0.8% to $106.7 billion).
