Press releases 1996
31 December 1996Continued improvement in employment in November
The service sector and the processing industries saw an increase in jobs from November 1995 to November 1996, as indicated by the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland. Agriculture and forestry remained at last year's level. All in all jobs increased by almost 50 000 in one year.
Growth in total output continued further in October
Total output increased by 5.7 per cent in the year to October. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in October was up by 0.4 per cent from September. In September output increased by 4.2 per cent on the preceding year. Output grew in October in all branches of industry. The data are based on Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
23 December 1996
Accelerated growth in gross domestic product in July-September
The growth of the gross domestic product accelerated in the third quarter of the year. GDP grew by 3.8 per cent, while in the first half of the year the growth was 1.4 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 1995. In the whole period from January to September GDP grew by a total of 2.2 per cent. This appears from the preliminary data on National Accounts compiled by Statistics Finland.
18 December 1996
Import prices down by over one per cent
Import prices took a downward turn, as prices fell by 1.2 per cent from October to November. This was explained by the price falls in crude oil, metallic ores and agricultural products. In the year to November import prices have risen by 2.3 per cent. This information can be gathered from the Import Price Index of Statistics Finland.
16 December 1996
Strong growth in industrial output continued in October
Industrial output was 6.8 per cent higher in October than in October of the year before, the index per working day of Statistics Finland indicates. This was partly due to an increase of about one fifth in energy supply. Energy exports to Sweden have increased while, at the same time, imports have been replaced by domestic production. In the January-October period industrial output grew by 3 per cent on the year before.
Consumer prices rose by 0.7 per cent in the year to November. From October to November, in contrast, they fell by 0.3 per cent. This information can be gathered from the Consumer Price Index of Statistics Finland.
29 November 1996
Stronger growth in total output in September
Total output increased by 4.1 per cent in the year to September. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in September was up by 0.4 per cent from August. Output grew in September in all branches of industry with the exception of agriculture and forestry. The data are based on Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
Employment improved in October
The number of people in work rose by 16 000 in the year to October, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. Vacancies increased by over 20 000 in the service sector, but fell slightly in processing industries.
18 November 1996
Continued rise in wholesale and import prices in October
Wholesale prices rose by 0.7 per cent from September to October. The rise was attributable to oil products and agricultural and forestry products. This information can be gathered from the Wholesale Price Index of Statistics Finland.
15 November 1996
Industrial output grew by a full 6.1 per cent in September
Industrial output grew by 6.1 per cent in the year to September, the biggest increase in over 12 months, as indicated by the index per working day of Statistics Finland.
Slight acceleration in inflation due to rising house prices
Consumer prices rose by 0.7 per cent in the year to October and by 0.2 per cent from September to October. The slight acceleration in inflation is accounted for by the rise in house prices in the third quarter and by higher prices of petrol and light fuel oil.
31 October 1996
Total output resumed the growth rate of early summer in August
Total output grew by 2.1 per cent in the year to August. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in August was up by 0.3 per cent from July. Output increased in all branches of industry in August. The data are based on Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
25 October 1996
Unemployment down to 370 000, employment unchanged
Unemployment was down to less than 400 000 for the first time since December 1992, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. In September there was a total of 370 000 unemployed, which is 36 000 less than the year before.
21. October 1996
The unemployed and young dormant in the Euro-elections
The unemployed appear to have participated feebly in the elections of the European Parliament, as indicated by a survey by Statistics Finland. Compared to the previous general elections the voting turnout also fell in areas where the population structure is young, where there is little agriculture and in areas with a proportionately high degree of inhabitants with low income.
18 October 1996
Rise in wholesale and import prices - further fall in export prices
Wholesale prices rose by 0.6 per cent from August to September. The rise was due in particular to oil products, crude oil and agricultural products. In the year to September prices have risen by 0.5 per cent. The wholesale prices of domestic goods remained almost at the level of September 1995, whereas those of import products have risen by 1.5 per cent on the year before. This information can be gathered from the Wholesale Price Index of Statistics Finland.
15 October 1996
Growth in industrial output decelerated in August
Industrial output grew by a mere 1.8 per cent in the year to August according to the index per working day of Statistics Finland. In July growth was up by a full 5.2 per cent compared to the year before. The figures for both months were affected by the partial transfer of holidays from July to August. In the January to August period industrial output rose by 2 per cent compared to the corresponding period of last year.
Increase in consumer prices
Inflation at 0.5 per cent in September
According to Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index, inflation speeded up slightly in September. Consumer prices rose by 0.5 per cent in the year to September. The August inflation was 0.4 per cent.
27 September 1996Stronger growth in total output in July
Total output grew by 3.9 per cent in the year to July. In June output increased by 2.4 per cent compared to the year before. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in July was up by 0.5 per cent from June. Output increased in all branches of industry in July. The data are based on Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
26 September 1996
Service sector main provider of employment in August
Vacancies rose in the service sector by close on 60 000 in the year to August, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. The number of vacancies increased by a few thousand in processing industries, while in primary production they decreased. The total number of employed increased by 46 000 over a year.
24 September 1996
GDP up by 1.6 per cent in April-June
In the second quarter of this year gross domestic product grew by 1.6 per cent, while in the January-March quarter there was a growth of 1.4 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 1995. In the first half of the year GDP grew by 1.5 per cent. This appears from the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland. 18 September 1996
Continued fall in export prices in August
The fall in export prices continued in August as well, as prices fell by 1.2 per cent from July to August. Export prices dropped by 1.4 per cent last month. In the year to August they have fallen by 1.5 per cent. This appears from the Export Price Index of Statistics Finland.
16 September 1996
Growth in industrial output continued in July
Industrial output grew by 5.0 per cent in the year to July according to the index per working day of Statistics Finland. Holidays partly falling on the other summer months besides July also raised utilisation rates in the different branches of industry.
Further fall in prices in August
Consumer prices fell in August for the third consecutive month. From July to August they fell by 0.2 per cent. In the year to August consumer prices have nevertheless risen by 0.4 per cent. This appears from Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index.30 August 1996
Further growth in total output in June
Total output was up by 2.4 per cent in the year to June. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in June was 0.4 per cent higher than in May. In May total output grew by 2.3 per cent on the year before. In June output increased in manufacturing, trade and commerce, and in other services as well as government services, but decreased in agriculture and forestry, in the construction industry as well as in transport and communications. These data are from the monthly indicator of total output produced by Statistics Finland.
29 August 1996
Slow improvement in employment in July
The number of employed increased by 15 000 in the year to July, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. Jobs increased both in processing industries and primary production, while in services the number of jobs decreased slightly due to fewer jobs in transport and communications.
19 August 1996
Close on 1.5 per cent drop in export prices
Export prices fell from June to July by 1.4 per cent due to the lower prices of papers, paperboards and base metals. By contrast, prices of chemical pulp took an upward turn of close on 12 per cent from June to July. Figures are revealed by the export price index of Statistics Finland.
15 August 1996
Accelerated growth in industrial output in June
Industrial output grew by 4.4 per cent in the year to June according to the index per working day of Statistics Finland. Growth accelerated in the second quarter of the year, in particular in June. Output was 1.7 per cent higher in the first half of this year than it was in the corresponding period of last year.
July inflation at 0.5 per cent
Consumer prices were up by 0.5 per cent in the year to July. From June to July, however, there was a 0.1 per cent fall in consumer prices, as indicated by the Consumer Price Index of Statistics Finland.
31 July, 1996
Continued growth in total output in May
Total output was up by 2.4 per cent in the year to May. In April output grew by one per cent on the preceding year. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in May was up by 0.3 per cent from April. This appears from Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
25 July 1996
Employment improved in services, declined in primary production
The number of employed was down by ten thousand last month compared to June 1995, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. The decline in total employment is largely accounted for by primary production, where there were almost 40 000 less jobs in June than the year before. In the service industries, instead, there was an improvement in employment. In trade and commerce, for example, the number of jobs increased by about 20 000.
18 July 1996
Producer prices continue to fall in June
All the Statistics Finland producer price indices continued to fall from May to June by 0.1–0.5 per cent. During both May and June this was mostly due to decreases in the prices of raw materials and producer goods. The prices of consumer goods also fell.
15 July 1996
Growth rate of industrial output 2.9 per cent in May
The growth rate of industrial output increased in May. According to the index per working day of Statistics Finland, industrial output grew by 2.9 per cent in the year to May. In the January-April period output increased by a mere 0.5 per cent on the figure for the corresponding period in 1995.
The rise in consumer prices over the year ending in June was 0.4 per cent. Contributing most to this inflation, i.e. 0.3 percentage units, was the rise in traffic costs, which was mainly due to the 12.9 per cent rise in the price of gasoline over the course of the year. The upward trend in traffic costs was checked by the fall in prices of passanger cars.
28 June, 1996
Total output increased in April
Total output grew by 0.7 per cent in the year to April. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in April was up by 0.2 per cent from March. In March output decreased by 1.2 per cent on the preceding year. This appears from Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
27 June 1996
Employment improved slightly in May
According to the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland, there were 20 000 more employed in May than in May of the year before. The number of jobs increased in trade and commerce, construction and business services. In agriculture and manufacturing, instead, employment declined somewhat.
25 June 1996
GDP up by one per cent in January-March
Finland's gross domestic product for the January-March period grew by one per cent compared to the corresponding period of the year before. The structure of growth changed, so that growth was sustained by service industries in January-March, while the slowdown in the growth rate was attributable to extractive industries. The impact of processing industries on GDP growth was neutral. Adjusted for seasonal variation, GDP for the first quarter grew by 0.7 per cent on the figure for the previous quarter. In the last quarter of 1995 the seasonally-adjusted GDP was down by 0.3 per cent.The figures are based on the preliminary data on National Accounts compiled by Statistics Finland.
18 June 1996
All producer price indices of Statistics Finland fell by 0.3-0.5 per cent from April to May. The fall was primarily accounted for by the lower prices of different raw materials and output commodities. The fall was sharpest in export prices at 0.5 per cent and it was attributable to cheaper pulp, paper and paperboard, wood products and means of transportation. The 0.4 per cent fall in import prices was caused by the lower price of crude oil.
17 June 1996
Growth rate of industrial output slackened in January-April
According to the index per working day of Statistics Finland, industrial output grew by 0.9 per cent in the year to April. In the January-April period output increased by a mere 0.5 per cent on the figure for the corresponding period in 1995. The slowdown in the growth rate is attributable partly to the comparison period's high index point figures. During the first four months of 1995 industrial output and output in the metal industry in particular, increased at peak rates. The growth for the January–April period was decelerated by the prolonged stoppages in the paper industry.
14 June 1996
Inflation at 0.7 per cent in May
Consumer prices rose by 0.7 per cent in the year to May, and by 0.2 per cent from April to May. The single most important factor in the increase in prices on the year before was the rise in the price of petrol. Despite the rising prices of the past few months the fall in the price of food was again the biggest curb on inflation. This appears from Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index.
31 May, 1996
Commercial fellings cause fall in total output in March
Total output was down by 1.1 per cent in the year to March. Output fell due in particular to the almost 30 per cent contraction in commercial fellings on the year before. Output fell in all branches of industry except manufacturing, external services of trade and of transport and communications, and government services. In February, total output still grew by 1.3 per cent on the year before. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in March was up by 0.3 per cent from February. This appears from Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
30 May 1996
The number of employed increased by close on 60 000 in the year to April, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. The number of jobs increased in trade and commerce, manufacturing and in government and other services.
17 May 1996
Dearer imports - cheaper exports
Import prices continued to rise in April. From March to April prices increased by 1.5 per cent. The rise was due to the higher price of crude oil in particular, but also to the price rises in machinery and equipment, means of transportation, and fruit, and plants for beverages and spices. In the year to April import prices have risen by 1.9 per cent and from December 1995 by 3.4 per cent. This appears from the Import Price Index of Statistics Finland.
15 May 1996
Industrial output back on the growth track in March
According to the index per working day of Statistics Finland, industrial output grew by 1.7 per cent in the year to March. In February output fell by 0.6 per cent on the year before. Industrial output took a slight upward turn thanks to the picking up of the metal industry.
Petrol and dwellings head the rise in prices in April
Consumer prices rose by 0.7 per cent in the year to April, and by 0.2 per cent from March to April. Factors contributing most to the change on one month were the 2.8 per cent rise in the price of petrol and the rise in dwelling prices in the first quarter of 1996. This appears from Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index.
30 April, 1996
Growth in total output continued in February
Total output grew by 1.4 per cent in the year to February. In January output was up by 1.7 per cent compared to the year before. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in February was up by 0.3 per cent from January. In February output contracted in agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, and construction. This appears from Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
25 April 1996
Growth in employment came to a halt in March
The number of employed increased only slightly in March as compared to March of the year before, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. The number of jobs decreased in primary production, whereas in the service sector, in business services in particular, jobs increased.
18 April 1996
Import prices up by almost one per cent in March
Import prices rose by 0.9 per cent from February to March. The rise was due to the higher prices of crude oil, oil products, and fruit, and plants for beverages and spices. In the year to March import prices rose by 0.5 per cent. This appears from the Import Price Index of Statistics Finland.
15 April 1996
Growth in industrial output at a standstill in February
According to the index per working day of Statistics Finland, industrial output fell by 0.6 per cent in the year to February, its first decline for four years.
Upward trend in consumer prices
Consumer prices rose by 0.6 per cent in the year to March, and by 0.1 per cent from February to March. This appears from Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index.
29 March 1996
Continued growth in total output in January
Total output was up by 1.6 per cent in the year to January. In December output grew by 1.7 per cent on the preceding year. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in January was up by 0.4 per cent from December. There was continued growth in January in all industries with the exception of agriculture and forestry. This appears from Statistics Finland's monthly indicator of total output.
28 March 1996
Employment improved slightly in February
Employment continued to improve slowly in February. According to Statistics Finland's Labour Force Survey there were 32 000 more jobs in February compared to the corresponding period of the year before. The number of jobs increased most in the metal industry and business services.
22 March 1996
GDP up by 2.2 per cent in last quarter of 1995
Finland's gross domestic product for the last quarter of 1995 was up by 2.2 per cent on the figure for the corresponding period in 1994. The growth rate slowed down towards the end of the year. In the first quarter of 1995 GDP increased by over 7 per cent, in the second quarter by less than 5 per cent, and in the third quarter by 3 per cent. Revised calculations indicate that GDP for the whole of 1995 increased by 4.2 per cent, standing at FIM 550 billion. The figures are based on the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.
18 March 1996
Export prices fell in February
Export prices fell by 0.7 per cent from January to February. The fall was attributable to cheaper pulp and wood products. This appears from the Export Price Index of Statistics Finland. As a whole, export prices have risen by 5.8 per cent in a year. The average year-on-year rise in export prices was still 9.5 per cent in December and 8.1 per cent in January.
15 March 1996
Growth in industrial output slackened in January
According to the index per working day of Statistics Finland, growth in industrial output slowed down to one per cent in the year to January, as against 5 per cent still in December.
Inflation at 0.5 per cent in February
According to Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index prices rose by 0.5 per cent in the year to February. From January to February consumer prices rose by 0.3 per cent.
29 February 1996
Slower growth in total output in December
Total output was up 1.3 per cent in the year to December. In November output was 2.9 per cent higher than a year earlier. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in December was up by 0.1 per cent from November. In December there was growth in the manufacturing industry, in trade as well as in the rest of the services and government services. These data are from the monthly indicator of total output produced by Statistics Finland.
Employment improved in January
There were 60,000 more jobs in January compared to the corresponding period of the year before, the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland indicates. Employment was improved by the increase in jobs in the metal industry and the consumer goods industry and in the group other industry. In the service sector, employment improved in education, research and social services in particular. In forestry and agriculture, on the other hand, employment declined.
19 January 1996
Import and wholesale prices rose in January
Import prices rose by 0.8 per cent from December to January. Almost two thirds of the rise was attributable to the higher prices of different raw materials and output commodities and one fourth to the increased prices of consumer goods. Raw materials and output commodities were up by 0.9 per cent, consumer goods by 0.7 per cent and investment goods by 0.6 per cent. This appears from the Import Price Index of Statistics Finland.
15 February 1996
Industrial output grew by 7.5 per cent last year
According to the index per working day of Statistics Finland, industrial output grew by 7.5 per cent from 1994 to 1995. During the first half of the year output increased by almost 10 per cent on the year before, but slowed down to 5 per cent in the second half.
Inflation at 0.5 per cent in January
Consumer prices rose by 0.5 per cent in the year to January, and by 0.2 per cent from December to January. This appears from Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index.
13 February 1996
Same rate of growth in production last year as the year before
GDP grew by 4.4 per cent last year, in other words at the same rate as in 1994. Total output in real terms exceeded the 1988 level. This appears from the preliminary data of Statistics Finland.
31 January 1996
Further growth in total output in November
Total output was up by 2.9 per cent in the year to November. In October output was 2.5 per cent higher than a year earlier. After adjustment for seasonal variation, output in November was up by 0.2 per cent from October. In November there was growth in all branches of industry except in agriculture and forestry. These data are from the monthly indicator of total output produced by Statistics Finland.
30 January 1996
EU alters Finnish statistical indicators
Finnish statistical indicators will be adjusted to the harmonisation of the statistics of the EU countries. Statistical data on the different Member States that are more comparable are required in EU decision-making. The existing statistics are still to a large extent based on national practices and requirements. As a result of harmonisation Finland will have among other things a new concept for inflation in addition to the present concepts, and the Labour Force Survey as well as the National Accounts will be reformed.
25 January 1996
Slowdown in growth of employment in December
According to the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland the number of employed increased only slightly in December compared to the corresponding period of the year before. This was due primarily to the decline in employment in primary production.
18 January 1996
Export prices up 7 per cent between 1994-1995
Export prices rose by 7 per cent from 1994 to 1995 when comparing averages for the whole year. The rise was due to higher prices of paper and paperboard, pulp and base metals. One year earlier export prices rose by 1.5 per cent. This appears from the Export Price Index of Statistics Finland.
15 January 1996
Metal industry accelerates growth in industrial output
According to the index per working day of Statistics Finland, industrial output grew by 3.4 per cent in the year to November. The metal industry accelerated the growth rate slightly as there was a substantial increase in the manufacture of machinery and equipment as well as in electrical equipment and metal products. In the paper industry, instead, the stoppages continued and there was a further decline in output in the wood and paper industry. There was also further decline in other industries, mainly in the output on the domestic markets.
Consumer prices rose by 0.3 per cent in the year to December. Inflation has remained the same for four months already. Prices were down by 0.1 per cent from November to December. The average rate of inflation was 1.0 per cent in 1995. This appears from Statistics Finland's Consumer Price Index.
3 January 1996
Slow increase in jobs continues
There was further gradual improvement in employment in November. According to the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland jobs increased by 40 000 in one year, i.e. by 2 per cent. Men's employment improved, while that of women remained stable. There was a slight increase in employment both in the processing industries and in the service sector.