It is an indication that manufacturing strength is helping to offset some of the weakness brought about by the housing mess and credit crunch.
Economists say the big reason for this increase is healthy demand from foreign nations looking to take advantage of a relatively weak dollar.
"If there has been any bright spots in the economy, it's exports. That is providing some support to the manufacturing side of the equation," said Michael Strauss, chief economist with Commonfund, a money-management firm based in Wilton, Conn.
However, some economists worry that the boost from manufacturing could be short-lived. After all, the dollar has rallied lately. And that's mainly because other economies around the globe - most notably in Europe - have begun to slow.
"The competitiveness of the dollar has been giving exports a kick," said Chris Probyn, chief economist with State Street Global Advisors in Boston. "But there are clear signs that the global economy is slowing down. And for America's economy to heal, it will be helpful to have a robust global economy. That doesn't look likely," Probyn added.
