Census Asks Manufacturers to Keep Counting Orders, Shipments, and Stockpiles
Published Date: 11/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Census Bureau is asking for approval to keep collecting data from 5,000 manufacturers about their shipments, orders, and inventories. This survey helps track how well U.S. factories are doing and predicts future production, which is super important for the economy. Respondents spend about 20 minutes each time, with no changes to the survey, and the public has 30 more days to share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
M3 data feed GDP and leading indexes
The M3 survey’s shipments, orders, and inventories data are used as essential inputs to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Leading Economic Index. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA/OMB) designated the survey a principal federal economic indicator, and agencies such as BEA, FRB, BLS, CEA, and The Conference Board use the results for economic measures and policy.
Manufacturers: 20‑minute monthly reporting
If you are a manufacturer selected for the M3 survey, you (or your business) are asked to provide monthly data 12 times per year. Each response takes about 20 minutes; there are 5,000 respondents in the sample and the total annual burden is 20,000 hours. The request is an extension “without change” and responding is voluntary under Title 13 U.S.C.
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