U.S. manufacturing production growth eased in February 2026, with output rising 0.2% month-over-month, down from a 0.6% increase in January. The latest figures, updated on 16 March 2026, point to a moderation in factory activity after a stronger start to the year.
The comparison is based on month-over-month changes, with February’s result measured against January 2026, while January’s 0.6% gain was compared with December 2025. The slowdown suggests that while the sector continues to expand, the pace of growth is losing some momentum heading into the late winter period.
Market participants and analysts will be watching upcoming data closely to see whether February’s softer reading signals a temporary pause following January’s stronger rebound, or the beginning of a more sustained cooling in U.S. manufacturing conditions.