Production of commodities in manufacturing, mining and quarrying, 2010

The basic metals industry showed the best 2010, with an increase of almost 30 per cent. This must be seen in context with the dismal figures of 2009. Basic metals have almost come back to the levels observed in 2008, and are only 9 per cent lower. Refined petroleum, chemicals and pharmaceutical industry had growth of 20 per cent, or NOK 20 billion in 2010. This is mostly due to the 20 per cent higher prices for refined petroleum, (see Producer price index ).

Machinery and equipment fell back form record highs in 2009, with a decrease of 16.9 per cent. This is due to the historic high level of orders into 2009; which meant they could continue to produce throughout 2009. The downturn in new orders observed in 2009 first had effect on the industry in 2010 (see Statistics on new orders ). Ships, boats and oil platforms continued downwards in 2010, with a decrease of NOK 9.7 billion or 13.5 per cent.

Food, beverages and tobacco back on top

With NOK 122 billion, food, beverages and tobacco was the largest industry in 2010. After an increase of NOK 19.5 billion, refined petroleum, chemicals and pharmaceutical industry had a good 2010, but not enough to take back the mantle of largest industry they had in 2008. Food, beverages and tobacco has traditionally been more stable, with other industries being more exposed to movements in prices.

Tables:

• Table 1 Sales of goods for selected commodities for large enterprises, mining, quarrying and manufacturing. 2010
• Table 2 Sales of manufactured goods for large enterprises, manudacturing, mining and quarrying. 2009-2010. NOK 1 000