Production: results for August 2023

Manufacturing production increased by 1,6% in August 2023 compared with August 2022. The largest positive contributions were made by the following divisions:

·        petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (7,2% and contributing 1,4 percentage points); and

·        basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery (4,0% and contributing 0,8 of a percentage point).

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production increased by 0,5% in August 2023 compared with July 2023. This followed month-on-month changes of -1,7% in July 2023 and 1,1% in June 2023.

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production decreased by 0,4% in the three months ended August 2023 compared with the previous three months. Four of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates over this period.

The largest negative contributions were made by the following divisions:

·        food and beverages (-3,8% and contributing -0,9 of a percentage point); and

·        petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (-2,9% and contributing -0,6 of a percentage point).

Sales: results for August 2023

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales increased by 2,5% in August 2023 compared with July 2023. This followed month-on-month changes of 1,4% in July 2023 and -0,2% in June 2023.