IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Manufacturing production for the first quarter of 2012 reflected an increase of 1,0% compared with the first quarter of 2011. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth over this period.

The annual increase of 1,0% in the first quarter of 2012 was mainly due to higher production in the following divisions:

• the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division (2,8% and contributing 0,6 of a percentage point);
• the food and beverages division (3,3% and contributing 0,5 of a percentage point);
• the glass and non-metallic mineral products division (4,5% and contributing 0,2 of a percentage point); and
• the wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing division (2,1% and contributing 0,2 of a percentage point).

Manufacturing production for March 2012 decreased by 2,7% compared with March 2011.

The 2,7% year-on-year decrease in manufacturing production for March 2012 was mainly due to lower production in the following divisions:

• the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division (-6,3% and contributing -0,7 of a percentage point);
• the food and beverages division (-3,6% and contributing -0,6 of a percentage point);
• the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division (-2,3% and contributing -0,5 of a percentage point);
• the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division (-1,8% and contributing -0,4 of a percentage point); and
• the furniture and other manufacturing division (-7,0% and contributing -0,3 of a percentage point).

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 1,9% compared with the fourth quarter of 2011. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates over this period.

The increase was driven mainly by higher production recorded for:

• the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division (3,8% and contributing 0,9 of a percentage point);
• the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division (6,2% and contributing 0,6 of a percentage point);
• the furniture and other manufacturing division (6,1% and contributing 0,3 of a percentage point); and
• the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division (1,6% and contributing 0,3 of a percentage point).