Key findings: P3041.2 - Manufacturing: Production and sales, February 2016

Manufacturing production increased by 1,9% in February 2016 compared with February 2015. This increase was mainly due to higher production in the following divisions:

  • petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (4,2% and contributing 0,9 of a percentage point);
  • food and beverages (3,8% and contributing 0,9 of a percentage point);
  • wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing (4,7% and contributing 0,6 of a percentage point); and
  • radio, television and communication apparatus and professional equipment (21,3% and contributing 0,3 of a percentage point).

The basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division (-3,3% and contributing -0,7 of a percentage point) was a significant negative contributor.

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production increased by 1,3% in February 2016 compared with January 2016. This followed month-on-month changes of -1,8% in January 2016 and 2,0% in December 2015.

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production decreased by 0,3% in the three months ended February 2016 compared with the previous three months. Five of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates over this period.