U.S. industrial production growth slowed in February 2026, rising just 0.2% month-over-month after a stronger 0.7% gain in January, according to data updated on 16 March 2026. The figures suggest that while output is still expanding, the pace of growth in the industrial sector has eased at the start of the year.
The data are measured on a month-over-month basis, meaning February’s 0.2% reading reflects the change in output compared with January, while January’s previously reported 0.7% increase was measured against December’s level. The deceleration could indicate waning momentum after a solid start to the year, and will likely be watched closely by investors and policymakers for signs of how resilient U.S. manufacturing and broader industrial activity remain.
