US Manufacturing Growth Slows in February Amid Rising Input Costs and Geopolitical Tensions

US manufacturing activity expanded modestly in February, with the Institute for Supply Management's index at 52.4, indicating continued growth but at a slower pace than January. Input prices rose to their highest level in over three years, reflecting inflationary pressures amid ongoing tariffs. Industry respondents noted challenges from high costs and trade uncertainties, while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including US and Israeli strikes on Iran, contributed to surging oil and gas prices affecting the sector.