WASHINGTON — U.S. industrial production rose 0.7% in September, with a sharp increase in utility output leading the monthly gain, the Federal Reserve reported Friday.
The increase followed a revised 0.1% rise in August. Total production was 2.2% above its September 2025 level, according to the Oct. 16 release.
Manufacturing output increased 0.3%, mining rose 0.2% and utilities climbed 3.5%. The figures describe different parts of the industrial economy, rather than a single measure of factory activity.
Within manufacturing, the report showed gains of at least 1% in primary metals, machinery, and electrical equipment, appliances and components. Motor vehicle and parts output declined 3%.
The production of consumer goods rose 0.7%, while business equipment was unchanged. Construction supplies increased 1%.
Capacity utilization reached 76.9%, up from 76.4% in August. That remained 2.5 percentage points below the average for 1972 through 2025, indicating that overall industrial operating rates were still below their long-run benchmark.
The latest monthly figures are preliminary and earlier estimates can be revised. The national report does not provide a September production estimate specifically for St. Louis or Missouri.
Industrial production measures output from manufacturing, mining and utilities. It is separate from the producer-price report, which tracks prices rather than the amount produced.
Sources: Federal Reserve industrial production report released Oct. 16; St. Louis Fed FRED industrial production series.
