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Manufacturing expanded in March for the first time in seven months, fueled by a surge in orders that signals American factories are emerging from their worst slump since the last recession.

Goldman Sachs projects that the ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index will break above 50, the level that separates contraction and expansion, in its March reading that is due out on April 1.

Factory activity in February shrank less than forecast as gains in new orders and production provided signs that the beleaguered industry soon could stabilize.

U.S. manufacturing output rose in January by the most since July 2015, a sign the industry was starting to stabilize at the beginning of the year.

Manufacturing in the United States contracted in December at the fastest pace in more than six years as factories, hobbled by sluggish global growth, cut staff at the end of 2015.

Manufacturing in the U.S. unexpectedly contracted in November at the fastest pace since the last recession as elevated inventories led to cutbacks in orders and production.

Factory output increased in October for the first time in three months as producers turned out more construction materials and motor vehicles.

American manufacturing remained stuck in neutral in October as factories struggled with dwindling overseas demand and well-stocked customers at home.

American manufacturing stagnated in September as a stronger dollar and faltering overseas markets led to the slowest pace of orders since November 2012.

Manufacturing in the New York region contracted in September for a second straight month, reflecting declining orders and employment.