Valve Orders Decline Slightly in First Half of 1997

Orders for U.S. industrial valves were down 1.5% during the first half of 1997 compared to the first half of 1996, though shipments and orders were up in several sectors, according to a recent report by the Valve Manufacturers Association of America (VMA). For instance, shipments for the first half of 1997 increased 2.

By Staff February 1, 1998

Orders for U.S. industrial valves were down 1.5% during the first half of 1997 compared to the first half of 1996, though shipments and orders were up in several sectors, according to a recent report by the Valve Manufacturers Association of America (VMA).

For instance, shipments for the first half of 1997 increased 2.9% compared to the same 1996 period. Shipments of plug valves and industrial butterfly valves gained the most during this period, up 9.6% and 9.5% respectively. The same two valve types also had the largest increase in orders, with a 12.3% hike for plug valves and 4.0% for butterfly valves. International purchases of U.S. valves also fared well through June 1997, with exports increasing 19%. Meanwhile, imports increased 8% during the same period.

The valve industry’s price index was up 1.1% during 2Q97, and up 2.3% for the year ending on June 31, 1997.