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The Association of Logistics, Purchasing and Inventory Management said the March index undershot the long-term March average of 52.6, and was also below an average of 55.2 measured in the past three years.
The March index however remained well above the 50-point mark separating growth in manufacturing from contraction.
Production volumes dropped from February levels but remained above the 50-point mark. New orders fell but remained above the 50-point line, while purchased stocks and the employment indicator rose, the publisher said.
The import indicator grew from February levels and remained above the 50-point watershed, while the export indicator fell from the previous month, but also remained in expansion territory, it said.