ISM's Backlog of Orders Index registered 43% in July 2012, which is 1.5 percentage points lower than the 44.5% reported in June 2012. Of the 84% of respondents who reported their backlog of orders, 13% reported greater backlogs, 27% reported smaller backlogs, and 60% reported no change from June 2012.
The three industries reporting increased order backlogs in July 2012 are: Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Chemical Products.
The 11 industries reporting decreases in order backlogs during July 2012 listed in order are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Wood Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Furniture & Related Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Paper Products; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products and Apparel, Leather & Allied Products.
| Backlog of Orders | % Reporting | % Greater | % Same | % Less | Net | Index |
| Ju '12 | 84 | 13 | 60 | 27 | -14 | 43 |
| Jun '12 | 86 | 16 | 57 | 27 | -11 | 44.5 |
| May '12 | 84 | 16 | 62 | 22 | -6 | 47 |
| Apr '12 | 81 | 22 | 55 | 23 | -1 | 49.5 |
Source - Institute for Supply Management
(www.steelguru.com)
