IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

The seasonally adjusted real GDP at market prices for the first quarter of 2013 increased by an annualised rate of 0,9 per cent compared with an increase of 2,1 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2012.

The main contributors to the increase in economic activity in the first quarter of 2013 were the mining and quarrying industry and finance, real estate and business services (each contributing 0,7 of a percentage point); general government services (0,3 of a percentage point); and the wholesale, retail and motor trade and catering and accommodation industry and the transport, storage and communication industry (each contributing 0,2 of a percentage point). Negative contributions by other industries included the manufacturing industry (-1,2 per cent), the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry and the electricity, gas and water industry  (each contributing -0,1 of a percentage point).

The seasonally adjusted real annualised value added by primary and tertiary sectors recorded increases of 8,1 per cent and 2,4 per cent respectively, while the secondary sector recorded a decrease of 6,2 per cent during the first quarter of 2013.

The unadjusted real GDP at market prices for the first quarter of 2013 increased by 1,9 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2012.

The GDP estimates are preliminary, and may routinely be revised on the basis of additional evidence that has become available by the time the subsequent quarter's estimates are released.