Total factor productivity increased in 15 out of 21 major industries in 2021

Total factor productivity increased in 15 out of 21 major industries in 2021. The largest increase was in arts, entertainment, and recreation (15.1 percent). This was followed by increases in accommodation and food services (12.4 percent), management of companies (6.2 percent), and information (4.6 percent).

Among the 21 major industries, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting had the largest decline in total factor productivity in 2021, at −5.4 percent. This was followed by mining, at −3.9 percent. Transportation and warehousing total factor productivity was unchanged over the year.

These numbers largely reverse the patterns seen in 2020, when total factor productivity declined in 16 of 21 major industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These data are from the Productivity program. To learn more, see “Total Factor Productivity in Major Industries — 2021.” We also have more charts on total factor productivity.  Total factor productivity is defined as output per unit of combined inputs.