Industrial output marks increase in Euro zone
EU statistics institution Eurostat reported that in industrial output in 25 member states of European Union (EU) increased by 0.5% month-on-month in April 2004 and by 2.4% year-on-year. In April 2004, Euro zone's industrial output also soared by 0.2% monthly and 1.7% annually.
Capital goods increased by 2.5% in the Euro zone and by 3.1% in EU in April when compared with the same period of last year. Intermediate goods surged by 2.2% and 3.1% respectively. Durable consumer goods recorded a 2.1% increase in Euro zone and a 3.6% rise in EU while non-durable consumer goods rose by 0.5% and 1.2% respectively. The energy sector also indicated a 2% increase in Euro zone and 1.2% rise in EU.
In the mentioned period, the highest annual increases were registered in
Lithuania with 23.3%,
Poland with 21.8%, Czech Republic with 10.1%,
Slovakia with 5% and
Sweden with 4.6%. The member countries which showed decline in industrial output are;
Portugal with 2.9%,
Belgium with 1% and
Slovenia with 0.8%.