Index of industrial production, December 2010

Output in Norwegian manufacturing has gradually increased since the summer of 2009. Demand, both domestic and abroad, has improved, and the exports of manufactured goods saw an increase in 2010 (see External merchandise trade ). The higher demand for metals and chemicals was a key factor in the growth in output in manufacturing in 2010.

Growth in basic metals and basic chemicals in 2010

Output in basic metals increased by 15.7 per cent in 2010 compared to 2009. Nevertheless, the output level in the industry is significantly lower than it was in the summer of 2008. This is due to the reduction of production capacity after the financial crisis. Output in basic chemicals increased by 26.8 per cent in 2010 compared to 2009. The Norwegian solar industry was a main contributor to this growth. In this industry the output has increased significantly as a result of improved market conditions and more stable production operation.

Decrease in building of ships, boats and oil platforms

Output of ships, boats and oil platforms went down by 4.1 per cent in 2010, according to working-day adjusted figures. Seasonally-adjusted figures show that the output decreased by 9 per cent in the period from August 2009 to March 2010. From March onwards, the output has gradually improved. Output in fabricated metal products and computer and electrical equipment also decreased in 2010.

No change in the 4th quarter of 2010

Output in Norwegian output decreased by 0.2 per cent from the third to the fourth quarter, according to seasonally-adjusted figures. Output of food products went down by 2.1 per cent in this period, and basic metals and wood and wood products also decreased. On the other hand, transport equipment n.e.c. and computer and electrical equipment experienced a growth in output in the fourth quarter of 2010.

From November to December 2010

The output in manufacturing decreased by 1.0 per cent from November to December 2010, according to seasonally-adjusted figures. The production in food products saw a 2.3 per cent decline, while output in basic metals increased by 4.2 per cent in this period.

Norway and the Euro Area

The Norwegian manufacturing output increased by 3.5 per cent from November 2008 to November 2009, according to working-day adjusted figures. Industrial production in the Euro area increased by 8.1 per cent in the same period, according to figures published by Eurostat.