Quarterly

ULQBBV01CZQ189N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

804,225,958,901.00

Year-over-Year Change

-0.23%

Date Range

1/1/1995 - 4/1/2011

Summary

The Quarterly Capacity Utilization: Manufacturing data series measures the percentage of manufacturing production capacity that is in use. It is an important indicator of economic activity and inflationary pressures.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Quarterly Capacity Utilization: Manufacturing metric represents the degree to which manufacturing production facilities are being used. It is a key gauge of supply and demand dynamics, as high capacity utilization suggests firms may struggle to meet increased orders.

Methodology

This data is collected through a monthly survey of manufacturing firms by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts monitor capacity utilization to assess the economy's potential for growth without triggering inflation.

Key Facts

  • Capacity utilization averaged 78.1% in 2022.
  • High capacity utilization can lead to supply chain bottlenecks and rising prices.
  • The long-run average capacity utilization rate is around 80%.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Quarterly Capacity Utilization: Manufacturing metric measures the percentage of manufacturing production capacity that is currently in use.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This indicator provides insight into the supply and demand dynamics of the manufacturing sector, helping economists and policymakers assess inflationary pressures and the economy's growth potential.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through a monthly survey of manufacturing firms conducted by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers monitor capacity utilization to gauge the degree of slack in the economy and the potential for growth without triggering inflation.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Quarterly Capacity Utilization: Manufacturing data is released with a lag of approximately two months.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Capacity Utilization: Manufacturing (ULQBBV01CZQ189N), retrieved from FRED.