Industrial output suffers setback south of the border

Avatar photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Industrial production in the U.S. fell in January by 0.5%, which is the largest amount in 17 months, reported the Toronto Star.

Following a 0.5% increase in December, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board announced the January decline in industrial output was a reflection of a decline in the auto industry. Output in the manufacturing sector declined 0.7% in January; about one-half of the decrease was a result of a drop of 6 percent in motor vehicles and parts.

The board also reported the rate of capacity utilization in January fell 0.6 percentage points, to 81.2%. Despite the decline, capacity utilization is 0.1 percentage points above its year-earlier level and 0.2 percentage points above its 1972-2006 average.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported jobless claims rose to 357,000 for the week ending Feb. 10. The one-week increase of 44,000 claims is the largest rise in claims since a one-week span in September 2005.

— with files from the Toronto Star

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*