Manufacturing sector still struggling

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002 | 9:34 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket goods fell 1.4 percent in November, dealing a setback to the nation's manufacturers, which have been struggling to get back on their feet after being knocked down by last year's recession.

The unexpected drop in new orders for costly manufactured goods came after a 1.7 percent rise in October and marked the weakest showing since September, the Commerce Department reported today.

November's decline surprised economists, who were forecasting an increase in orders of around 0.8 percent.

Manufacturing has been the weakest link in the national economy's recovery. After staging a decent comeback at the beginning of the year, factory activity has stumbled in recent months. Manufacturers continue to slash jobs.

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