U.S. Composite Purchasing Managers Index Rose in September

The national composite index climbed to 58.4 as manufacturing and service sectors experienced broader expansion.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Inflation

Isometric editorial illustration showing a stack of shipping containers and a turbine component, representing U.S. industrial economic activity. — The U.S. composite Purchasing Managers Index climbed to 58.4 in September, signaling widespread expansion across the manufacturing and service sectors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. composite purchasing managers' index reached 58.4 in September, up from 56.0 in August. Stronger demand and rising backlogs contributed to this expansion across manufacturing and service sectors.

Why it matters

Renewed inflation pressure emerged as businesses contended with supply-chain disruptions and limited operating capacity. These logistical constraints forced up business costs, reflected in the rising input price index.

The U.S. composite purchasing managers' index hit 58.4, an increase from 56.0 in August. Meanwhile, the input purchase price index rose to 66.4 from its August level of 59.9.

The details

Manufacturing and services activity both expanded during the month, driven by stronger demand for new orders which reached 58.2. However, the surge in activity also led to a significant increase in business costs due to lingering supply-chain challenges.

September 2026 marked the 58.4 composite index reading.
July 2021 previously held the composite index high.
March 2022 was the previous high for new orders.
May 2022 recorded the previous high for unfinished work.
July 2022 saw the previous high for supplier delivery delays.

Macro View

This latest data mirrors historical cycles where rapid expansion leads to logistical bottlenecks that trigger inflationary pricing. The current trajectory follows a pattern set by the 2026 U.S. Purchasing Managers Index expansion, where supply constraints consistently dampened manufacturing efficiency.

Rising input prices often translate into higher costs for consumers as businesses pass on expenses for materials and logistics. Families may experience this through increased prices on common goods and services as inflationary pressures filter through the broader economy.

The takeaway

The rise in purchasing activity indicates a robust but constrained economy struggling with capacity limits. Monitoring input prices is essential as these costs often serve as a leading indicator for broader retail price fluctuations.