Brussels, 14/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - In February 2008, industrial production increased by 0.3% in the euro zone and by 0.5% in the EU 27 compared to the previous month, when it had increased by 0.6% and 0.7% respectively. Compared to the same period in 2007, industrial production increased by 3.1% in the euro zone and by 3.3% in the EU 27.
The monthly rate of industrial production increased in sixteen Member States, particularly in Slovenia (+4.5%), Lithuania (+3.6%) and Poland (+2.2%). It decreased in three, including Greece (-4.7%), and remained stable in the Netherlands. In the energy sector it increased by 1% in the euro zone and by 0.6% in the EU 27. Capital goods increased by 0.9% and 1.0% respectively and intermediate goods increased by 0.5% in both areas. Consumer durables decreased by 0.4% in the euro zone and remained stable in the EU 27, while consumer non-durables decreased by 0.4% and 0.3% respectively. The annual rate of industrial production increased in eighteen Member States, notably in Poland (+12.3%), Slovakia (+11.5%) and Lithuania (+11.1%). It decreased only in Greece (-4.2%) and Italy (-0.8%). (A.B.)