Manufacturing sales rose 4.1% to $73.9 billion in January, with increases in 16 of 21 industries. The petroleum and coal product (+10.1%), motor vehicle (+13.4%) and food (+3.4%) industries led the increases, while the aerospace product and parts (-11.2%), chemical (-2.8%) and wood (-4.9%) industries posted the largest declines. Sales in constant dollars were up 3.8% in January, indicating that higher volumes played a significant role in the sales gain on a current dollar basis. The Industrial Product Price Index edged up 0.4% in January. Following two consecutive monthly declines, sales in the petroleum and coal ... (full story)