17 March 2004
Inquiries: Mr Toni Udd +358 9 1734 3380, Mr Anssi
Vuorio +358 9 1734 2934
Director in charge: Mr Kari Molnar
Producer prices for manufactured products fell by 2.2 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, producer prices for manufactured products fell by 2.2 per cent from February 2003 to February 2004. This was mainly attributable to lower prices of electronic and electrical equipment, paper and paperboard, and oil products. The fall of the overall index was curbed by higher prices of basic chemicals, electricity and non-ferrous metals.
Export and import prices unchanged from January to February
In February export prices stayed at the January level according to Statistics Finland. The index was put up especially by higher prices of basic chemicals and non-ferrous metals, but this was counterbalanced by lower prices of electronic and electrical products.
Likewise, import prices remained unchanged from January to February. The index was pushed up in particular by increased prices of metal products and non-metal ores. The rise was, however, held back by lower prices of crude oil, natural gas and electronic and electrical goods.
Month-on-month and year-on-year changes of Producer Price Indices in February 2004
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| Indices (2000=100) |
Point figure 2/2004 |
Change, % 1/2004 - 2/2004 |
Change, % 2/2003 - 2/2004 |
| Producer price index for manufactured products, total | 92.4 | -0.3 | -2.2 |
| Export price index | 85.9 | 0.0 | -2.3 |
| Import price index | 94.1 | 0.0 | -1.6 |
| Basic price index for domestic supply | 98.5 | -0.3 | -1.3 |
| Wholesale price index | 97.4 | -0.4 | -1.8 |
Producer price indices measure the development of commodity prices from enterprises' viewpoint. The basic price index for domestic supply measures the development of prices exclusive of tax of goods used in Finland as they enter the market. The wholesale price index describes the change in the purchase prices of goods used in Finland inclusive of tax. Both these indices contain domestic and imported goods.
Source: Producer Price Indices 2004, February. Statistics Finland