The capacity utilization rate in the United States rose to 76.2% in January 2026, up from 75.7% in December 2025, pointing to a modest strengthening in industrial activity. The latest data, updated on 18 February 2026, indicate that a slightly higher share of the nation’s production potential is being used.
The 0.5 percentage point increase suggests that U.S. producers are operating a bit more intensively than at the end of last year. While still below levels typically associated with a fully stretched industrial sector, the January uptick may be interpreted by markets as a sign of gradually improving demand conditions and a firmer manufacturing backdrop at the start of 2026.
