Bloomberg back at it.

(Bloomberg) — U.S. industrial production unexpectedly dropped in November for the first time in seven months, an indication of a pause in manufacturing as 2011 comes to a close.

Output at factories, mines and utilities declined 0.2 percent after a 0.7 percent gain in October, figures from the Federal Reserve showed today. Economists forecast a 0.1 percent advance, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey. Factory production, which makes up 75 percent of the total, decreased 0.4 percent, also the first decline since April.

A slowing economy in Europe may limit shipments from American manufacturers and restrain the industry that’s been a source of strength for the recovery. While lean inventories point to sustained production, today’s figures underscore Fed policy makers’ comments this week that business investment is beginning to cool.

“Manufacturing is still doing OK,” Robert Dye, chief economist at Comerica Inc. in Dallas, said before the report. “There are obviously concerns about weaker global situation, and I think that manufacturers are feeling justifiably cautious. The European situation and China are potential game-changers here if their economies turn south quickly.”