A measure of U.S. factory activity contracted in September by the least in nearly a year, offering hope that the worst may be over for the nation’s producers.

Production at U.S. factories rebounded in April, led by a firm advance at automakers and suggesting some stabilization in goods demand.

North American factories cranked out 219,000 battery-powered cars and trucks in the first three months of the year, a 39% increase over the year-earlier period.

Production at U.S. factories fell in March for the first time this year as companies show signs of ratcheting back investment plans.

U.S. manufacturing continued to expand at a solid, yet slightly slower pace in June while a measure of prices paid for materials jumped to an almost 42-year high.

Factories across industries are trying to answer the call of duty amid a pandemic that has so far claimed more than 15,000 lives and sickened 350,000 people globally.

A measure of U.S. manufacturing unexpectedly fell deeper into contraction, posting the weakest reading since the end of the last recession as a global slowdown and the U.S.-China trade war increasingly weigh on the sector.

A gauge of U.S. factory activity fell in June by less than forecast as output and jobs improved though new orders stalled, highlighting the repercussions of trade uncertainty and slower growth abroad.

U.S. factory production slumped for a second month in February, missing forecasts for a pickup, indicating headwinds from the trade war to slower global growth are weighing on manufacturers. Still, the prior month’s drop was revised up.

U.S. factory production was unchanged in November and the prior month’s reading was revised to a decline from a gain, a sign the industry may be taking a breather while still growing at a pace that supports economic growth.