US industrial production grew 0.7% in April 2026, rebounding from a revised 0.3% decline in March, according to government data [1, 2]. Manufacturing output, which makes up about three-quarters of total industrial production, rose 0.6% in April after a modest 0.1% gain in March [1, 2].
The largest manufacturing gain came from motor vehicles and parts, which rose 3.7%, the biggest increase among durable goods sectors [1, 2]. Other areas with strong growth included computers and electronic products, aerospace, nonmetallic mineral products, electrical equipment, fabricated metals, and defense and space equipment [1, 2].
Mining output fell slightly by 0.1% in April after a drop in March, which ranged between 0.3% and 1.6% depending on the source [1, 2]. Additionally, oil and gas well drilling decreased for the second consecutive month [1]. Utilities output increased 1.9% in April following a prior decline [1, 2].
Capacity utilization—the percentage of industrial capacity in use—rose to 76.1% in April from 75.7% in March but remains below long-term averages [2]. Stuart Paul of Bloomberg Economics said, "Output of durable goods drove the surge in April’s industrial production, with a rebound in vehicle production accounting for a third of the headline gain. Increased output of metals, minerals, agricultural equipment and electronics also suggests business investment was robust at the start of the second quarter" [1].
The output gains reflect strong business investment, data center buildouts, and replenishments in military spending [1, 2]. Looking ahead, US crude oil production is forecast to reach a record 14.1 million barrels a day in 2027 [1].
