WASHINGTON―New orders for U.S.–made goods accelerated in August, pointing to sustained strength in manufacturing even as economic growth appeared to have slowed in the third quarter because of shortages of raw materials and labor. The Commerce Department said on Monday that factory orders increased 1.2 percent in August. Data for July was revised higher to show orders rising 0.7 percent in July instead of gaining 0.4 percent as previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast factory orders gaining 1.0 percent. Orders shot up 18.0 percent on a year-on-year basis. Manufacturing, which accounts for 12 percent of the economy, is being driven by still-strong demand for goods despite spending shifting back to services. Businesses are rebuilding inventories, which were depleted in the first half, underpinning activity at factories. An Institute for Supply Management survey last week showed manufacturing activity steadily expanding in September, but noted that “companies and suppliers continue …