Total industrial production (IP) fell 0.6 percent in April compared with March. Part of the overall decline was the result of a 5.3 percent drop in utilities production from March to April, which is believed to be a result of the demand for utilities services returning to more normal levels following the severe winter weather. Manufacturing production decreased 0.4 percent month over month, with the decline being widespread across industries with the exception of communication equipment and motor vehicle parts. Year over year, total IP increased 3.5 percent in April, and manufacturing production was up 2.9 percent. Oil and gas production continued to trend up, outpacing the growth of total IP.
