A decline in orders for machinery in recent months contributed to a 2.7% drop in shipments to $2.3 billion. Strong demand had fuelled widespread increases in machinery manufacturing during the first half of 2004, but production has slowed since shipments peaked in August ($2.4 billion). The non-metallic mineral products industry also reported a 5.3% drop in shipments to $1.1 billion in December. The booming construction sector contributed to strong gains in the industry earlier in 2004.