FX.co ★ US Manufacturing Output Unexpectedly Rises

In December 2025, manufacturing output in the United States rose by 0.2% from the previous month, surpassing market expectations of a 0.2% decline. The durable goods manufacturing index experienced a slight increase of 0.1%, driven by significant growth in the production of primary metals (up 2.4%), electrical equipment, appliances, and components (up 1.7%), and aerospace and miscellaneous transportation equipment (up 1.5%). However, declines of at least 1% were observed in the production of wood products, nonmetallic mineral products, and motor vehicles and parts. Meanwhile, the nondurable manufacturing index advanced by 0.3%, with gains in food, beverage, and tobacco products, petroleum and coal products, and plastics and rubber products compensating for declines in other nondurable categories. Manufacturing capacity utilization remained steady in December at 75.6%, which is 2.6 percentage points below its long-term average from 1972 to 2024.