30 April, 1999

Inquiries: Mr Erkki Lääkäri + 358 9 1734 3355
Director in charge: Mr Markku Suur-Kujala

Growth in output continued in February

Total output increased by 3.4 per cent in the year to February. When the effect of seasonal factors is removed, output in February was 0.3 per cent higher than in January. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland shows that output went up in all main branches of industry, with the exception of agriculture and forestry.

In manufacturing, output was further sustained by the manufacture of electrical equipment. Output in manufacturing as calculated per working day grew by five per cent from last year's February. Total economic growth was also supported by an increase in the output of construction, trade and transport.

In the year to February, output grew by 4.4 per cent in transport, by 4 per cent in construction and by 2.1 per cent in trade. Other services and government services increased by one per cent. In contrast, output in agriculture and forestry decreased by close on two per cent.

The Monthly Indicator of Total Output is based on eleven monthly series on different sectors of the economy. The series are summed up by weighting.

Source: The Monthly Indicator of Total Output 1999, February. Statistics Finland.