Industrial output marks increase in Euro zone

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%.