Downward trend in industrial output strengthened in May

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day decreased by 2.3 per cent in the year to May.

Output in the metal industry went down by 1.5 per cent in May when compared to May 2000. Within the metal industry, the manufacture of electrical equipment fell by good 5 per cent. In contrast, output in the rest of the metal industry went up by good 3 per cent.

Output in the wood and paper industry went down by 8.5 per cent in May from the year before. In the chemical industry, output fell by just short of 8 per cent. However, output increased by 3 per cent in other manufacturing and by 6.5 per cent in energy production.

Capacity utilisation rate in manufacturing was approaching 86 per cent in May. In the pulp and paper industry, capacity utilisation rate was close on 88 per cent, in the metal industry 90 per cent and in the chemical industry just under 71 per cent. Capacity utilisation rate in other manufacturing was good 81 per cent.

These preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland by 28 June. A revised growth percentage of industrial output and data by industry for May will be published on the Internet in the StatFin statistical service on 13 July 2001 at 7 am.

Source: Volume Index of Industrial Output 2001, May, preliminary data. Statistics Finland
StatFin statistical service at: statfin.stat.fi