U.S. industrial production fell again in June but not as sharply as before, the government reported Wednesday, suggesting that the recession may be easing. Production at U.S. factories, mines, and utilities fell 0.4 percent last month as the recession reduced demand for a wide range of manufactured goods, including cars, machinery, and household appliances, the Federal Reserve (Fed) reported. However, the decline was not as steep as in May, when industrial activity tumbled 1.2 percent. Production at factories fell by 0.6 percent in June, compared to a 1.1 percent drop the previous month. Output at mines fell 0.5 percent last month, compared to a 1.9 percent decline in May. Production at utilities rose 0.8 percent in June following a 1.3 percent drop the previous month. In the April-June quarter, industrial production fell at an annual rate of 11.6 percent, an improvement from the 19.1 percent rate of decline recorded in the first three months of the year.
