U.S.-made goods dipped in sales during the month of September, according to a recent article by Reuters. General manufacturing spending also saw a decrease in September. Factory goods orders fell by 0.6% and orders fell 0.3% year-over-year, according to the Commerce Department. Shipments of manufactured goods fell by 0.2% as well.
According to Reuters, the U.S.-China trade war is a likely factor in manufacturing sales declining. The war began 16 months ago, and failure to reach a compromise has affected manufacturing businesses. While a "phase one" of a plan is being drafted, it may not be the solution.
More tariffs are set to take place Dec. 15, hitting electronics such as laptops the most. This may further complicate sales in the manufacturing sector.
—Christie Citranglo, editorial associate