The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index for November was 57.6, a “slight improvement” that occurred thanks to better seasonally adjusted selling momentum, according to the latest analysis from Baird, FCH Sourcing Network and the Institute for Supply Management.

The FDI improve from 56.1 in October.

Overall, November largely saw a continuation of recent themes, including stronger demand than can be served, extended lead times and raw material and labor shortages.

“Still having delayed deliveries with both overseas and domestic product,” one respondent said. “Customers still not too encouraged in increasing our sales due to uncertainty in the market and inability to get other product to continue production on a daily basis!”

Some respondents said that labor challenges were seemingly more prevalent and more impactful this month than in prior months.

“A disappointing month due to limited human labor,” one said. “…We’ll be back up to full speed in December.”

Another respondent said: “Slight slowdown, believe many orders have already been placed ahead of time based on the current situation with material shortages, lead time, overseas port backlogs, etc. Hiring is tougher than ever, with very little replies on Help Wanted ads.”