AI Data Insight
The latest US ISM Manufacturing Customers' Inventories Index for Q2 2026 rebounded to 42.7, a significant increase from the previous value of 39.1, but remains deep in the "too low" territory. Although a low inventory level typically helps drive future new manufacturing orders and restocking demand, the recent surge in raw material prices and geopolitical disruptions are casting shadows of negative cost factors over the subsequent recovery of US manufacturing.