2026.04.1613:15:00UTC+00U.S. Industrial Production Growth Cools to 0.7% in March, Down from 1.44%

U.S. industrial production growth slowed in March 2026, with output rising 0.70% year-over-year, down from a 1.44% annual increase recorded in February 2026. The latest data, updated on 16 April 2026, indicate a moderation in the pace of expansion across the industrial sector.

Both figures are measured on a year-over-year basis, comparing each month’s production level to the same month a year earlier. While February’s reading suggested a stronger rebound in activity, March’s softer gain points to cooling momentum as manufacturers and industrial firms navigate ongoing economic uncertainties.

The deceleration from February to March may signal that earlier strength in industrial output is easing, potentially reflecting more cautious business sentiment or softer demand conditions. However, the sector remains in positive territory on an annual basis, indicating that industrial production is still growing, albeit at a slower rate than in the previous month.