ISM's Imports Index registered 50.5% in July 2012, which is 3 percentage points lower than the 53.5% reported in June 2012. This month's reading reflects eight months of growth following only two months of contraction in the past 34 months.
The five industries reporting growth in imports during the month of July 2012 are: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment and Chemical Products.
The six industries reporting a decrease in imports during July 2012 listed in order are: Paper Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Furniture & Related Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals and Machinery.
Seven industries reported no change in import orders in July 2012 as compared to June 2012.
| Imports | % Reporting | % Higher | % Same | % Lower | Net | Index |
| Jul '12 | 80 | 13 | 75 | 12 | 1 | 50.5 |
| Jun '12 | 78 | 18 | 71 | 11 | 7 | 53.5 |
| May '12 | 81 | 16 | 75 | 9 | 7 | 53.5 |
| Apr '12 | 79 | 18 | 71 | 11 | 7 | 53.5 |
Source - Institute for Supply Management
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