Index of industrial production, April 2004

The production of non-ferrous metals experienced an increase of almost 5 per cent. This is related to the continuous demand from abroad as well as an increase in the production capacity within this particular industry. Wood and wood products also experienced a positive growth, though related to the domestic marked.

Consumer goods

The production of consumer goods has had a decrease of 1 per cent the last three months compared with the previous three-months period. Food products, beverages and tobacco and publishing, printing and reproduction contribute to a decrease in activity while the manufacturing of furniture experienced an increase these last three months.

Capital goods

Production within capital goods experienced only minor changes last period. Electrical and optical equipment increased due to an added demand in the export marked, whilst transport equipment had a decline in production, mainly due to the low activity level in shipyards. Oil platforms and modules, fabricated metal products and machinery and equipment n.e.c show only minor changes, whereas figures for 2003 indicate a clear drop in production within the same area.