Economics

U.S. Factory Output Rises More Than Forecast in Broad Advance

  • Manufacturing climbed 0.9% in March after increasing 1.2%
  • Auto output strengthened, along with business equipment

A worker packages cast iron cookware at the Lodge Manufacturing Co. factory in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, U.S., on March 7.

Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
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U.S. factory production rose in March by more than forecast, marking the third straight month of gains that show steady progress for manufacturers against a backdrop of gradually improving supply chains.

The 0.9% increase followed a 1.2% gain in February, Federal Reserve data showed Friday. Total industrial production, which also includes mining and utility output, also rose 0.9% during the month and the gain in February was revised up.