Industrial Output Surges Again in April

Washington, DC, May 14, 2010--U.S. manufacturing output increased 1% again in April on jumps in most factory sectors, the Federal Reserve said Friday.

Total output of the nation's mines, utilities and factories increased 0.8% last month, as expected.

Industrial production was 5.2% higher than it was a year ago. Manufacturing output has increased 6% in the past year after suffering through the worst downturn since the aftermath of World War II.

However, output is still 9% lower than it was at the peak in December 2007.

Manufacturing output has increased 1% or more in four of the past six months. Output rose a revised 1% in March.

The capacity utilization rate jumped in April to 73.7% from 73.1% for total industry, and rose to 70.8% from 70% in manufacturing.