The ISM Customers' Inventories Index registered 49.5% in September 2012, which is 0.5 percentage point higher than in August 2012 when the index registered 49%. Customers' inventories have registered at or below 50% for 42 consecutive months. A reading below 50% indicates customers' inventories are considered too low.
The five manufacturing industries reporting customers' inventories as being too high during September 2012 are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components and Chemical Products.
The six industries reporting customers' inventories as too low during September 2012 listed in order are: Paper Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.
Six industries reported no change in Customers' Inventories in September 2012 as compared to August 2012.
| Customers' Inventories | % Reporting | % Too High | % About Right | % Too Low | Net | Index |
| Sep '12 | 68 | 21 | 57 | 22 | -1 | 49.5 |
| Aug '12 | 70 | 16 | 66 | 18 | -2 | 49 |
| Jul '12 | 69 | 17 | 65 | 18 | -1 | 49.5 |
| Jun '12 | 70 | 13 | 71 | 16 | -3 | 48.5 |
Source - Institute for Supply Management
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