Both U.S. and Canadian manufacturers experienced a drop in sales in March 2009 according to sales data released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA). Confidence in the market (as measured on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being most optimistic) has also eroded, holding a current negative position between 4.6 and 4.9.
Following a negligible increase in sales in February 2009, U.S. manufacturers' sales dropped by 4.2 percent in March 2009. Compared to the same period last year, sales in March 2009 were down 24.9 percent. Orders in March 2009 continue to drop with a 7.8 percent decrease over February 2009 sales.
Canadian manufacturers' sales were down 7.9 percent compared to February 2009. Sales were down 29.0 percent when compared to the same period last year.
Sales between February 2009 and March 2009 in specific product categories reflect the change in sales experienced by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. Most product categories for U.S. manufacturers posted a decrease in sales.
U.S. Manufacturer Percent Change in Product Sales (February 2009 vs. March 2009)
Product Percent Change Variable Speed Drives -25.8% Shaft Couplings -15.1% Mounted Bearings -13.3% Gear Products -12.8% Standard Industrial Motors -12.5% Clutches & Brakes -1.8% Mechanical Drive Systems and Other PT Products -0.3% Unmounted Bearings 8.6% Positioning Systems/Linear Motion Products 8.9%
Canadian Manufacturer Percent Change in Product Sales (February 2009 vs. March 2009)
Product Percent Change Shaft Couplings -62.7% Standard Industrial Motors -40.7% Positioning Systems/Linear Motion Products -26.7% Clutches & Brakes -18.7% Mechanical Drive Systems & Other PT Products -6.6% Mounted Bearings -5.2% Unmounted Bearings 1.8% Variable Speed Drives 2.9% Gear Products 17.9%
The Market Outlook Report is published monthly by the Power Transmission Distributors Association. The full report includes U.S. and Canadian manufacturer data for sales and order trends for mounted bearings, unmounted bearings, standard industrial motors, variable speed drives, positioning systems/linear motion products, gear products, clutches and brakes, shaft couplings and mechanical drive systems and other PT products.
Year-end data for 2007 and 2008 is available in a complete report. The monthly data is available by subscription via e-mail or mail. To purchase the year-end data or to begin a subscription to the monthly data, order online at www.ptda.org/store or call PTDA at +1.312.516.2100. PTDA members may download the report at no charge through the PTDA Web site at www.ptda.org/MOR.
Founded in 1960, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. A U.S.-based trade association, PTDA represents 204 power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $10 billion in sales and span 3,500 locations in North America and 12 other countries. PTDA members also include 198 manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
PTDA is dedicated to providing exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information and leading-edge business tools to help distributors and manufacturers meet marketplace demands competitively and profitably. For more information, visit www.ptda.org.
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