Industrial output in February on level with January

According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 0.1 per cent lower in February than in January 2005. Seasonally adjusted volume of industrial output fell by 0.7 per cent from February 2004.

Seasonally adjusted change in industrial output from previous month, %

Industrial output fell by 0.7 per cent in February from one year back

According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 0.7 per cent lower in February 2005 than in February 2004. The rapid growth that started in May last year has slowed down in the early part of this year.

Seasonally adjusted change in the volume index of industrial output
from corresponding month of previous year, %

Output continued to grow in many main industries. The biggest increase in output of 9.0 per cent was recorded in February in the chemical industry. In the wood and paper industry, output went up by 4.5 per cent. Manufacture of electronic and electrical products increased by 2.7 per cent. Output continued to decline by most, or 11.8 per cent, in energy supply. In other manufacturing, output fell by 3.1 per cent.

Seasonally adjusted change in the volume of industrial output 2/2004-2/2005, %

Capacity utilisation rate in manufacturing was 83 per cent in February, which is 0.2 percentage points higher than in February 2004. In the pulp and paper industry capacity utilisation rate was 95 per cent and in the metal industry 82 per cent. In the chemical industry capacity utilisation rate was 81 per cent and in other manufacturing 78 per cent.

Revised data for February will be published at 9 am on 29 April 2005 in connection with the industrial output data for March. Because of the method used, seasonally adjusted figures for previous months may change even if the original figures do not become revised. The seasonally adjusted figures will also be adjusted for working days.

Source: Volume Index of Industrial Output 2005, February. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Mr Kari Rautio +358 9 1734 2479, volyymi.indeksi@stat.fi