Production: results for January 2024

Manufacturing production increased by 2,6% in January 2024 compared with January 2023. The largest positive contributions were made by the following divisions:

·        petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (13,6% and contributing 2,9 percentage points);

·        wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing (5,0% and contributing 0,5 of a percentage point);

·        textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (6,6% and contributing 0,2 of a percentage point); and

·        glass and non-metallic mineral products (5,2% and contributing 0,2 of a percentage point).

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production increased by 0,8% in January 2024 compared with December 2023. This followed month-on-month changes of -1,3% in December 2023 and 0,9% in November 2023.

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing production increased by 0,2% in the three months ended January 2024 compared with the previous three months. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates over this period.

The largest positive contribution was made by the food and beverages division (3,3% and contributing 0,7 of a percentage point) and the largest negative contribution was made by the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division (-3,1% and contributing -0,7 of a percentage point).

Sales: results for January 2024

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales decreased by 1,4% in January 2024 compared with December 2023. This followed month-on-month changes of 1,2% in December 2023 and 1,4% in November 2023.

Seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales increased by 1,6% in the three months ended January 2024 compared with the previous three months. The largest positive contributions were made by the following divisions:

·        motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment (6,6% and contributing 1,1 percentage points); and

·        food and beverages (2,5% and contributing 0,6 of a percentage point).