U.S. Industrial Output Rebounds in April

(MENAFN) U.S. industrial production increased by 0.7% in April, recovering from a 0.3% drop recorded in March, according to data released Friday by the Federal Reserve.

Manufacturing output rose by 0.6% in April following a slight 0.1% gain in March. In contrast, mining activity slipped by 0.1%, while utilities output grew more strongly, advancing by 1.9%.

When excluding motor vehicles and parts, manufacturing output still showed growth, rising by 0.3%.

Overall industrial production reached 102.5% of its 2017 average level, placing it 1.4% higher than in April 2025.

Capacity utilization—which measures how fully industries are using their productive resources—climbed to 76.1% in April, up from 75.7% in March. However, it remained 3.3 percentage points below its long-term average spanning 1972 to 2025.

Across major market categories, consumer goods production increased by 0.9%, supported by gains in both durable and non-durable goods.

Output of business equipment surged by 1.5%, driven in part by a sharp 4.2% rise in transit equipment. Defense and space equipment production also rose, increasing by 1.9%.

The materials index advanced by 0.5%, boosted by improvements in durable materials and energy-related inputs, although non-energy non-durable materials saw a decline.

Within industry breakdowns, durable manufacturing output rose by 1.2% in April, with most sectors posting gains. The strongest increase came from motor vehicles and parts, which jumped by 3.7%.

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