Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in November for the fourth month in a row, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

Its purchasing managers index for November fell to a reading of 48.1 in November from 48.3 in October; only readings above 50 indicate growth.

“Global trade remains the most significant cross-industry issue,” said Timothy Fiore, chair of the ISM’s manufacturing business survey committee. “Among the six big industry sectors, food, beverage & tobacco products remains the strongest, while fabricated metal products is the weakest. Overall, sentiment this month is neutral regarding near-term growth,”

The employment portion of the index also showed contraction, falling to a reading of 46.6 in November from a reading of 47.7 in October.

Labor force-reduction concerns remained generally constant, Fiore said.