Brussels, 15/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - Industrial production increased by 1.2% in the euro zone and by 0.9% in the EU of 27 in August 2007 compared to July 2007, where it grew by 0.7% and 0.6% respectively. Compared to August 2006, industrial production has grown 4.3% in the euro zone and 4.0% in the EU of 27.
In monthly terms, the production of consumer durables grew by 3.8% in the euro zone and by 3.2% in the EU of 27. The energy sector grew by 0.8% in the euro zone, but fell by 0.4% in the EU of 27. Industrial production increased in 12 Member States and fell in eight. The greatest increases were recorded in Portugal (+2.5%), Germany and Latvia (+1.7% each), whilst the greatest reductions were observed in Slovakia (-2.5%), Denmark and Romania (-2.0% each).
Taken annually, the production of investment goods increased by 6.6% in the euro zone and 6.7% in the EU of 27. Non-durable consumer goods grew by 5.2% and 3.6% respectively, consumer durables by 4.1% 6.3%. Interim goods grew by 3.2% and 3.1% respectively, and the energy sector by 1.6% and 0.8% respectively. Industrial production increased in 17 Member States and fell in three. The greatest increases were recorded in Lithuania (+13.7%), Slovenia (+10.0%) and Poland (+9.0%), with drops observed in Denmark (-1.3%), Greece (-0.4%) and Finland (-0.3%). (A.B.)