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WASHINGTON — U.S. manufacturing expanded in February at the fastest pace in three years with the arrival of a surge in new orders.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — American factories grew in January, but at a slower pace than December.

Production at U.S. manufacturers increased in December by more than projected, marking an eighth straight month of gains as steady yet more moderate demand growth and lean inventories continue to power the sector’s recovery.

A measure of U.S. manufacturing expanded in December at the fastest pace in more than two years, bolstered by a pickup in new orders and the strongest growth in production since 2011.

A trade war with China and the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have U.S. companies starting to question a decades-old strategy of shifting manufacturing operations to low-cost labor markets in China and other Asian nations.

U.S. manufacturing output rose by more than forecast in November thanks to a boost in auto production, helping factories continue to rebound toward their pre-pandemic capacity and strength.

U.S. manufacturing expanded at a slower pace in November, easing back from the strongest reading in two years as orders, employment and production cooled.

Manufacturing has improved greatly since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, but a lot of work remains, experts said during a panel discussion.

Eaton Corp. is evaluating 3D printing technology that could broaden the power management company’s application of it to include production parts, an executive said.

U.S. manufacturing expanded in October at the fastest pace in more than two years, fueled by the strongest orders growth since early 2004 and a pickup in employment.