The ISM Prices Index registered 29 percent in January, compared to 18 percent in December, indicating manufacturers are paying lower prices on average when compared to December. While 12 percent of respondents reported paying higher prices and 54 percent reported paying lower prices, 34 percent of supply executives reported paying the same prices as the preceding month. A Prices Index above 47.6 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Index of Manufacturers Prices.

In January, Primary Metals is the only industry reporting paying higher prices. The industries that reported paying lower prices during January are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components.