New York (Platts)--4May2010/651 pm EDT/2251 GMT

Total new orders in the US for manufactured goods in March, up eleven of the last twelve months, increased $5.0 billion or 1.3% to $391.5 billion, the US Census Bureau reported Tuesday, but durable goods -- a key metals indicator -- were down in March.

The Census Bureau said manufactured durable goods in March, down following three consecutive monthly increases, decreased $1.0 billion or 0.6% to $178.7 billion, revised from the previously published 1.3%. This followed a 1.6% February increase. Transportation, down two consecutive months, had the largest decrease, $5.7 billion or 12.3% to $40.5 billion. New orders for manufactured nondurable goods, however, increased $6.0 billion or 2.9% to $212.8 billion.

Shipments of durable goods in March, on the other hand, increased $2.6 billion or 1.4% to $182.8 billion, revised from the previously published 1.2% rise, Census reported. This followed a 0.3% February decrease. Machinery, up four of the last five months, had the largest increase, $1.1 billion or 4.8% to $24.3 billion.

Shipments of manufactured nondurable goods, up eleven of the last twelve months, increased $6.0 billion or 2.9% to $212.8 billion. Petroleum and coal products, up eight consecutive months, led the increase, up $3.1 billion or 6.7% to $49.2 billion.

March inventories of durable goods, up three consecutive months, increased again by $1.0 billion or 0.3% to $305.2 billion, revised from the previously published 0.2% increase.

Primary metals, up five consecutive months, had the largest inventory increase, $0.5 billion or 1.8% to $27.1 billion.

--Joe Innace, joseph_innace@platts.com