February 2, 2026
The National News Desk recently published an article featuring Jay Zagorsky, Clinical Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, discussing early signs of renewed activity in U.S. manufacturing, citing new data from the Institute for Supply Management showing the Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.6% in January, its first expansion reading in over a year.
While the increase signals modest economic momentum, job growth has not followed. Employment in the sector remains in contraction, with only 14% of manufacturers reporting increased hiring.
Zagorsky cautioned against overinterpreting the data, noting that “One data point, one month does not make a trend.” He emphasized that without meaningful job creation, a manufacturing rebound represents only a “partial victory.”
Any sustained turnaround will take time, as factories require years to build and staff. Additionally, increased reliance on automation and AI could further limit job growth, even if domestic production expands.
Overall, while the latest data suggests a potential uptick in manufacturing activity, its impact on employment, and the broader economy, remains uncertain.
