Chicago Manufacturing Activity Expands at Slower Pace in March

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area expanded at a slower pace in March, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Thursday.

ISM’s business index fell to a reading of 52.4 from 56.8 in February. Readings of more than 50 indicate expansion.

Economists had forecast a reading of 56.5, Bloomberg News reported.

Chicago is a major center of U.S. manufacturing, which is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.