Regulations, Health Care Top Concerns
The third quarter NAM 2016 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey shows manufacturers continue to cope with policy headwinds.
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NAM Manufacturing Outlook Index
Numbers greater than 50 suggest the manufacturing outlook is above average, coinciding with an expanding sector.
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Expected Growth Rate Over the Next 12 Months
| 61.0% |
RESPONDENTS POSITIVE IN THEIR COMPANY'S OUTLOOK
(June: 61.7%)
|
 1.9% |
SALES
(June: Up 1.6%)
|
| 2.1% |
PRODUCTION
(June: Up 1.5%)
|
| 0.4% |
EXPORTS
(June: Up 0.2%)
|
| 0.8% |
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
(June: Up 0.6%)
|
| 0.8% |
PRICES
(June: Up 0.06%)
|
| 0.4% |
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT
(June: Up 0.2%)
|
 0.7% |
INVENTORIES
(June: Down 1.0%)
|
| 1.5% |
EMPLOYEE WAGES
(June: Up 1.5%)
|
| 8.5% |
HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS
(June: Up 8.3%)
|
Manufacturers’ Sentiments
Manufacturing sentiment dropped substantially for smaller manufacturing firms (fewer than 50 employees), with just 48.7 percent positive in their outlook in this survey, down from 56.1 percent.
48.7%
of respondents were positive in their outlook in this survey, down from 56.1 percent.
Manufacturers on Health Care
Rising health insurance costs were cited as their top business challenge (Figure 4), cited by nearly three-quarters of manufacturers completing the survey.
Manufacturers on Regulatory Burdens
The cumulative burden of ever-increasing regulations comes at a cost. Manufacturers surveyed felt that government regulation stifles economic growth, disproportionately hurts small businesses, creates bureaucratic red tape and slows innovation.