Manufacturers forecast a weak first half in 1987.

The National Assn. of Manufacturers said a recession in the first half of next year was a possibility. However, Bank of America said in its annual forecast of the nation’s economy that the United States will escape a recession in 1987 because of an expected drop in the trade deficit and an anticipated increase in non-mortgage debt. Association economists, disagreeing with the economic mainstream that sees a slow but respectable upturn in the months ahead, said the recently passed tax reform bill was causing temporary distortions in economic activity.