The chairman of the NAPM's business survey committee Norbert Ore was upbeat about the survey's findings.

BBC: US manufacturing hints at recovery

The NAPM report is closely watched because it is one of the first indications of economic activity in April.

BBC: US manufacturing remains weak

The sharp decline in the NAPM index in December gave an early indication of the slowdown, and was one of the factors that led the Fed to make its first rate cut in early January.

BBC: US manufacturing remains weak