Industrial production slowed in May

Washington -- U.S. industrial production slowed 0.2 percent in May after a steeper decline of 0.7 percent in April, the U.S. Federal Reserve said Tuesday.

Manufacturing output was unchanged for the month, but the output from utilities declined 1.8 percent, while the output from mines rose 0.1 percent.
Factory production was lifted "by a small pickup in the index for motor vehicles and parts," the monthly report said.

Excluding the motor vehicle industry, manufacturing declined 0.1 percent in May, following a 0.5 percent decline in April.

During the month, "the higher output of automobiles and light trucks was outweighed by lower production of medium and heavy trucks and truck trailers," the report said.

Production in defense and space equipment also declined in May, down 0.5 percent, contributing to a decline of 1 percent for the year in defense and space outputs, the report said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.