Manufacturing growth improved in June

But financial struggles across the 28-nation European Union, the largest importer of U.S. goods, also have weighed on potential gains, they have said.

{mosads}Better economic conditions overseas should help boost manufacturing growth in the second half of the year. 

Production and new orders each shifted from contracting to growing last month — production was up to 53.4 from 48.6, while new orders increased to 51.9 from 48.8.

Export orders continued their expansion, rising to 54.5 from 51.

Still, a measure of employment fell in June to 48.7, the first contraction since September 2009. 

A reading above 50 reflects growth. 

Private and public jobs reports are set for release this week and could shed more light into whether the sector is still losing jobs. 

Comments from the panel generally indicate slow growth and improving business conditions with more hurdles to scale.