Brussels, 14/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - According to data published on Tuesday 14 October by Eurostat, in August 2008 compared with July 2008, seasonally adjusted industrial production1 grew by 1.1% in the euro area (EA15) and by 0.5% in the EU27. In July production fell by 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. In August 2008 compared with August 2007, industrial production decreased by 0.7% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU27.
In monthly terms, production of intermediate goods rose by 1.6% in the euro area and by 1.0% in the EU27. Capital goods grew by 1.6% and 0.9% respectively. The production of energy increased by 1.3% in the euro area and by 0.7% in the EU27. Durable consumer goods rose by 1.2% and 1.0% respectively. Non-durable consumer goods remained stable in the euro area, but fell by 0.1% in the EU27. In August 2008, industrial production rose in nine member states Ireland (+6.2%), Germany (+3.3%) and Estonia (+1.6%). The most significant falls were registered in Lithuania (-4.5%), Bulgaria (-4.2%) and Slovakia (-3.9%). It remained stable in Greece.
In annual terms production of capital goods grew by 0.8% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU27. Production of energy rose by 0.8% in the euro area, but fell by 0.4% in the EU27. Intermediate goods decreased by 0.2% and 0.7% respectively. Non-durable consumer goods declined by 2.9% in both zones. Durable consumer goods fell by 6.2% in the EU15 and by 5.3% in the EU27. Over 12 months, industrial production rose in six member states, with Ireland in the lead, (+4.2%), and fell in 14 sates, such as Latvia (-11.1%), Spain (-7.0%) and Italy (-5.3%). It remained stable in Poland. (A.B./transl.rh)