Motors Demand Falters during third quarter of 2010.

Press Release Summary:



NEMA Motors Shipments Index slipped 4.4% during third quarter of 2010. Although demand is below levels observed 2 years ago, shipments have trended higher over past 1.5 years and registered year-over-year gain of more than 8% during third quarter. While fractional horsepower motors gained in market demand, integral horsepower motor shipments continued to weaken. Concerning manufacturing sector recovery, output growth slowed to 4% during 2010 Q3.



Original Press Release:



Motors Demand Falters During Third Quarter of 2010



ROSSLYN, Va.-NEMA's Motors Shipments Index (MSI) slipped 4.4 percent during the third quarter of 2010. Although demand is still well below the levels observed just two years ago, shipments have trended higher over the past year and a half have and registered a year-over-year gain of more than 8 percent during the third quarter. Of the index's two underlying categories, fractional horsepower motors gained in market demand while integral horsepower motor shipments continued to weaken.

The manufacturing sector's recovery has tapered off in recent months, with output growth slowing from an average annualized increase of roughly 9 percent during the past four quarters to 4 percent during 2010Q3. Indicators such as the ISM and regional surveys indicate the manufacturing sector is still expanding, but corroborate the fact that the sector's performance has been less robust as of late. Moreover, the winding down of the inventory rebuilding cycle could hamper the industry's prospects for growth since final demand has yet to stage a full recovery. Exports will likely play a significant role in boosting manufacturing output going forward, but the shaky condition of the global economy poses a downside risk to the sector's growth.

Over the near term, the Motors Shipments Index is expected to continue its recent up-and-down performance. The initial burst in demand for motors and other types of industrial equipment caused by companies restarting idled factory capacity appears to be losing steam, but incentives offered by the EISA 2007 should bolster demand for energy-efficient motors. The backdrop for investment in industrial equipment such as motors has improved as corporate profits have recovered, short-term interest rates remain very low and balance sheets have been mended thanks to cost-cutting. With that said, however, lingering economic uncertainty and a still-high share of idled factory capacity will keep a lid on business investment for motors and industrial equipment in general..

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association's Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.

NEMA. Setting Standards for Excellence
Visit our website at www.nema.org

All Topics