November 16, 2000 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Productivity rises in most manufacturing industries

In 1998, labor productivity—as measured by output per hour—rose in 76 percent of the manufacturing industries measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Output increased in 77 percent of the industries, while hours of labor grew in 45 percent of the industries.

[Chart data—TXT]

The largest manufacturing industries all recorded productivity gains between 1997 and 1998. Labor productivity increased by 25.2 percent in electronic components and accessories; 23.1 percent in aircraft and parts; 7.9 percent in motor vehicles and equipment; 3.4 percent in miscellaneous plastics products, n.e.c.; and 1.4 percent in commercial printing.

Among all manufacturing industries, the largest gain in productivity—43.6 percent—occurred in computer and office equipment.

This information is from the Industry Productivity Program. Data are subject to revision. Additional information is available from "Productivity and Costs: Manufacturing Industries, 1990-98" news release USDL 00-335.