Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; the Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories and Orders (M3) Survey
Published Date: 7/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting monthly info from U.S. manufacturers about their shipments, inventories, and orders through the M3 survey. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by September 18, 2026, before they get final approval. This helps keep the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Monthly M3 Survey Continues
The Census Bureau will continue the monthly Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories and Orders (M3) survey collecting shipments, new and unfilled orders, and inventory details. The collection covers about 5,000 manufacturing respondents filing roughly 60,000 reports per year, with an estimated 20 minutes per response and a total annual burden of 20,000 hours; comments are requested by September 18, 2026.
Earlier Release of Total Manufacturing Data
The M3 clearance now includes early release of total manufacturing shipments, inventories, and orders so preliminary Advance Report data can be published roughly 18 working days after each month (with the full report about 23 working days after each month). The advance publications have included added nondurable industry detail in 2024 and expanded detailed nondurable shipments and inventories in July 2025.
Paper Reporting Phased Out
Paper collection for the M3 survey was phased out effective January 2026; the Census Bureau now collects responses primarily by internet or email, with initial contact by email and a small subset receiving mailed letters. Respondents may submit data via the internet or email; reminder emails and phone calls are used.
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Key Dates
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