Results from the March Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey suggest that regional manufacturing activity continued to expand. The diffusion index for general activity fell from its high reading in February, but the survey's other broad indicators for new orders, shipments, and employment all improved or were steady this month. Price pressures also picked up, according to reporting firms. The survey's future indicators continued to improve and reflect a broadening base of optimism about future growth in manufacturing.

The index for current manufacturing activity in the region decreased from a reading of 43.3 in February to 32.8 this month.