Industrial Output Shows Surprise Slump In Italy

Italian industrial output fell by 1% in April from the figure in March when production slipped by 0.2%, the national statistics institute Istat reported on June 12. The figures contrast with estimates by economists who had expected a monthly increase of 0.5 % an increase over 12 months of 2.5%.

In the 12 months to April production showed a decline of 8.3%, unadjusted figures from Istat showed. After adjustment for the number of working days, industrial output fell over 12 months by 2.6 % in April.

Production of equipment rose by 2.9% on a 12-month comparison, while production of consumer goods fell most heavily, by 6.1% in April over 12 months. Production of semi-finished goods fell by 2.9% over 12 months and output of energy by 2.3%.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2006