Procurement costs continue to affect the performance of the US manufacturing industry, though the sector continued to expand in October, according to the latest data from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Aluminium products, caustic soda, copper, steel and titanium dioxide were all reported to have risen in cost, the October 2011 Manufacturing ISM Report on Business shows. Some manufacturers reported that copper, aluminium products and steel actually fell in price, painting a confused picture across the industry. Recent analysis from MEPS suggests that steel prices have fallen around the world, including in the US. The only commodity reported in short supply was castings, suggesting that the electronic and electrical components supply chain has recovered from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Last month's report showed a shortage of these commodities for the ninth straight month. In addition, there is now "some deflation" reported for chemical products. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, only two reported paying increased prices during the month of October. These were the furniture and related products sector and the computer and electronic products industry.

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