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U.S. manufacturing activity rose in January at the fastest pace in almost seven years, the Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday.

ISM’s monthly factory index rose to a 60.8 reading, from 58.5 in December. Figures over 50 indicate expansion.

The reading topped economists’ forecast of a decline to a 58 reading, Bloomberg reported.

New orders jumped 5.8 points to 67.8, while exports rose 7.5 points to 62. Imports rose 4.5 to a 55 reading.

ISM’s factory index measures manufacturing components of the economy.