Economics

Manufacturing Output in U.S. Unexpectedly Declined in September

  • Drop closes out robust rebound in third-quarter production
  • Vehicle production drops 4%; factory output ex-autos unchanged
Photographer: Dan Brouillette/Bloomberg
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U.S. manufacturing production unexpectedly declined in September, the first decrease in five months, pointing to a setback for factories as the pandemic drags on.

The 0.3% drop in output at factories followed an upwardly revised 1.2% gain in August, Federal Reserve data showed Friday. Economists projected a 0.6% increase, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Total industrial production, which also includes mines and utilities, decreased 0.6% in September.