Orders for durable goods plunged in June

Orders to U.S. factories for long-lasting manufactured goods fell in June by the largest amount in nearly two years, led by declining commercial aircraft orders.

Demand for durable goods dropped 4 percent in June, the biggest setback since an 18.4 percent drop in August 2014, the U.S. Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

The new report indicates manufacturing remains under stress from weak global demand and a strong dollar.

June’s result was led by a 58.8 percent plunge in orders for commercial aircraft. Outside of transportation, orders were down 0.5 percent.

American manufacturers are struggling with a strong dollar, which makes U.S. products more expensive on foreign markets, and a sluggish global economy.

The 4 percent decline in orders in June followed a 2.8 percent drop in May and a 3.2 percent rise in April.

For June, one of the few areas of strength was autos and auto parts, which increased 2.6 percent. Orders for primary metals such as steel, computers and machinery declined.