August 09, 2004 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Manufacturing employment in July

Manufacturing employment edged up in July 2004.

[Chart data—TXT]

Since its most recent low in January of this year, manufacturing employment has risen by 91,000, almost entirely in its durable goods component. In July, there were job gains in computer and electronic products, machinery, furniture, and paper and paper products. 

Employment growth in these and other manufacturing industries was partly offset by a decline of 21,000 in transportation equipment manufacturing, reflecting larger-than-usual shutdowns of auto parts and assembly plants for annual retooling.

Total nonfarm employment was little changed in July at 131.3 million. Since its recent trough in August 2003, payroll employment has risen by 1.5 million.

Payroll employment data are from the Current Employment Statistics program. The above data are seasonally adjusted. Data for June and July 2004 are preliminary and subject to revision. For more information, see "The Employment Situation: July 2004" (PDF) (TXT), news release USDL 04-1488.