Manufacturing sector labor productivity increased 1.7% in the first quarter of 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. output decreased 1.0% and hours worked decreased 2.6%. Productivity increased 1.4% in the durable manufacturing sector and 2.1% in the nondurable manufacturing sector in the first quarter of 2019.

Over the last four quarters, total manufacturing sector productivity increased 1.2%, as output increased 1.8% and hours worked increased 0.7%. Unit labor costs in manufacturing increased 0.8% in the first quarter of 2019 and decreased 0.1% from the same quarter a year ago. Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased 3.6% in the first quarter of 2019. output increased 4.1% and hours worked increased 0.5%. From the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019, productivity increased 2.4%, reflecting a 3.9 percent increase in output and a 1.5-percent increase in hours worked. The four-quarter increase in productivity is the largest since a 2.7-percent gain in the third quarter of 2010.