Manufacturing output in the United States slipped 0.1% month over month in March 2026, defying market expectations for a 0.1% increase and following a 0.4% gain in February. The March decline was driven by a 0.2% drop in the production of durable goods, reflecting notably weaker output of motor vehicles and parts, which fell 3.7%. Production also declined in primary metals, machinery, and furniture and related products.
Nondurable goods manufacturing output edged down 0.1%, with more industry groups registering losses than gains. Only the indexes for petroleum and coal products, plastics and rubber products, and paper rose in March; all other nondurable goods categories recorded declines.
