Manufacturing Output Grows in January 2025 Amid Tariff Worries

Following a 26-month stretch of contraction, manufacturing output began 2025 on a positive note, with growth supported by solid demand.

The report’s benchmark reading, the PMI, stood at 50.9 (a reading of 50 or higher indicates growth), marking a 1.7% increase over December’s 49.2 reading. This reflects the overall economy expanding for the 57th consecutive month, following the contraction in April 2020.

The January PMI is 2.5% above the 12-month average of 48.4, with January’s 50.9…