The phrase "a decline in orders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decrease in the number of orders received by a business or organization.
Example: "Due to the recent economic downturn, we have noticed a significant decline in orders this quarter."
Alternatives: "a drop in orders" or "a decrease in orders".
Lucent cited a decline in orders for its switches and other equipment.
A decline in orders -- usually as a result of a falloff in demand from consumers and businesses -- can cause factories to slow production.
Only Italy reported bad news: the ISAE index of business confidence fell in March, to its lowest levels in two years, largely because of a decline in orders.
A report on Friday from the National Association of Purchasing Management showed that, despite a decline in orders in the manufacturing industry, prices and inventories were being reduced.
At the same time, a decline in orders for German machinery and other industrial goods showed that the country was not immune to the problems afflicting its neighbors.
Bunzl says it has managed to offset a decline in orders for single-use bags by winning new customers for other services it offers in the UK.
This was led by a decline in new orders, especially export orders," said Leif Eskesen, chief economist for India at HSBC, the survey's sponsor.
Other data on Thursday showed a decline in new orders for factory goods, although orders outside the transportation sector rose for a second consecutive month, which should calm fears of a rapid loss of momentum in factory activity.
Unisys said strong overseas demand and strong defense systems orders more than offset a decline in American orders.
Durable goods orders fell in September because of a decline in aircraft orders, but the component used as a gauge for business equipment investment, or nondefense capital goods orders, rose 2.4 percent compared with the previous month, a report by the Commerce Department said on Wednesday.
A decline in export orders took the biggest toll on the sector in September, dragging the total order book to its lowest level for six months.
