The latest figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that around 1,000 US manufacturing jobs were lost in March.

Across all sectors, a total of 126,000 jobs were created — the first time in the last 12 months that the number was below 200,000.

Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, blamed the strong dollar and increased imports for the job losses. He said: “That was one wretched jobs report for manufacturing.

"Losses in March, combined with steep downward revisions in January and February, have washed away the narrative of a resurgent manufacturing base. The effects of the strong dollar are clear: it’s a big loser for factory jobs in the USA. Meanwhile, surging steel imports are contributing to mass lay-offs.”

James Marple, senior economist at TD Economics, said: “Low oil and gas prices are giving manufacturers headaches, as producers hold back on buying drilling and other equipment.

“While the sector is tiny compared to the size of the American economy, the magnitude of the decline in investment will have a noticeable impact on economic growth in the first half of this year.”