Manufacturing Barometer™

April 2013
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Manufacturing Barometer™

At a glance

US manufacturing company executives reported rising optimism about the US economy, with some expecting to hire new workers and increase spending at a moderate pace. They also expect flatter margins, fewer revenues from international sales, and more barriers to growth.

Explore the data

Explore the data
PwC's Manufacturing Barometer is a quarterly survey of US-based executives in large, multinational industrial manufacturing businesses. The survey captures participants' assessments of the direction of the US and world economies and their company's performance and expectations in such areas as revenue growth, margins, inventory, and costs. Other sections explore plans for investment, mergers and acquisitions, and hiring, as well as potential barriers to growth and much more.

First-quarter results

Highlights from the first quarter include:

  • Nearly 80 percent of manufacturing executives predict revenue growth in 2013.
  • Sentiment toward the global economy remains cautious; overseas expansion plans are reduced.
  • Overall capital spending plans are trending lower.

Special topic: Fiscal policy uncertainties

This quarter’s special topic questions focus on fiscal policy uncertainties. We asked panelists for their insights on topics such as the significance of recent fiscal policy uncertainties to their corporate strategy, as well as the impact on the overall business or economic environment, demand, taxes, and employment plans.