Producer price indices in March 2005

According to Statistics Finland, producer price indices rose by 1.5 to 5.5 per cent in the year to March. The biggest increase was recorded in import prices, which was particularly attributable to higher prices of crude oil, basic chemicals, and iron, steel and ferro-alloys. The rise of import prices was curbed by lower prices of electrical products and pharmaceutical preparations.

From February to March producer price indices rose by 0.4 to 1.2 per cent. The import price index increased most, by 1.2 per cent, and the producer price index for manufactured products least, by 0.4 per cent. The rise of import prices was especially due to higher prices of crude oil, oil products and basic chemicals. Producer prices for manufactured products were particularly raised by higher prices of oil products, pulp, paper and paperboard.

Month-on-month and year-on-year changes in Producer Price Indices in March 2005

Indices (2000=100)	Point figure 03/2005	Change-% 2/2005 - 03/2005	Change-% 03/2004 - 03/2005
Producer price index for manufactured products, total	94.2	0.4	1.5
Export price index	87.9	0.5	1.8
Import price index	100.8	1.2	5.5
Basic price index for domestic supply	102.1	0.6	2.9
Wholesale price index	100.2	0.6	2.4

Source: Producer Price Indices 2005, March. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Mr Toni Udd +358 9 1734 3380, Mr Anssi Vuorio +358 9 1734 2934, thi.tilastokeskus@stat.fi