STATEMENT
FROM COMMERCE SECRETARY DONALD L. EVANS
ON TODAY’S INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION AND HOUSING REPORT
WASHINGTON,
DC – “America’s manufacturers have shown
again that we have the most productive workers in the world. The
Bush administration continues to work aggressively to give manufacturing
workers the tools to succeed in the worldwide marketplace, open
new markets for American products and grow the economy at home.
“There
are other signs that our economy is moving in the right direction
as homebuilders build new homes at the fastest rate in twenty years.
The combination of low interest rates and strong consumer confidence
have given more families a chance to own a piece of the American
Dream.
“President
Bush’s economic policies are working their way into the economy
and they are creating optimism and confidence that is helping every
American feel the benefits of our economic recovery.”
NOTE: Industrial Production Grew 0.4% In July
Manufacturing output, which accounts for nearly 85% of the overall
index, posted a solid gain of 0.6%. The strongest area of production
was again in business equipment where output rose 1.5%. Over the
last 12-months, business equipment production has risen 10.8%. Capacity
utilization rose to 77.1% in July from 76.9% in June.
Housing Starts Were Up 8.3% In July
Housing starts and building permits rebounded in July, retracing
nearly all of their June declines. Housing starts remain
near their highest levels in 20 years.