Manufacturing in the United States cooled in July from the highest level in five months, a sign of fitful progress in the industry.

Manufacturing expanded in June at the fastest pace in five months, indicating domestic demand is allowing America’s factories to withstand sluggish overseas economies.

Manufacturing in April held at the weakest pace in almost two years, prompting factories to pull back on hiring as they await stronger demand in the United States and abroad.

Factories expanded in March at the slowest pace since May 2013, a sign struggling overseas economies and cutbacks among oil producers are hindering U.S. manufacturing.

U.S. manufacturing activity expanded at the slowest pace in a year in February as weaker growth abroad limited orders for American-made products, the Institute for Supply Management reported.

Manufacturing in New York expanded in January, but growth slowed in Philadelphia, according to the regional reserve banks.

Manufacturing in the U.S. expanded in November at a faster pace than projected, signaling the world’s largest economy is rising above a global slowdown.

U.S. manufacturing activity rose in October, matching August as the highest level since March 2011, the Institute for Supply Management reported Nov. 3.

Manufacturing activity in the New York region cooled in October, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said.

Manufacturing expanded in August at the fastest pace in three years as orders grew by the most in a decade, showing U.S. factories will help power the economy into the third quarter.