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.
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.
