TEMPE, Ariz., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. manufacturing expanded for the 13th consecutive month in August, the Institute of Supply Management said.

Although new factory orders slowed, the trade group's Purchasing Manager's index rose from 55.5 to 56.3, a report released Wednesday showed.

Numbers above 50 indicate growth. As such, new orders expanded, but the index for new orders, at 53.1, showed a slower expansion than a month ago when that index read 53.5.

Employment among manufacturing business grew, with the employment index at 60.4, a sharp increase from the reading of 58.6 posted in July.

Exports and imports both rose, although growth in exports, at 55.5, slowed from a month ago, while growth in imports accelerated from 52.5 to 56.5.

Business activity expanded in August in primary metals, clothing, transportation equipment, fabricated metals, electrical equipment, appliances, chemical products and computer production.

Business contracted in furniture production, petroleum and coal products, non-metallic mineral products, plastic and rubber and machinery.