Index of industrial production, September 2003

The intermediate goods output has increased by 3 per cent. Pulp, paper and paper products and non-ferrous metals have contributed to these changes. The figures from July this year were strong and for the intermediate goods, although experiencing a slight reduction later in the period, the overall figures for the third quarter are still positive. The market situation, however, for these two industries are not significant stronger than earlier this year, but slightly improved since the third quarter last year. According to weekly-adjusted figures the intermediate goods output is 1 per cent lower in the third quarter this year compared with the same quarter last year.

Capital goods output

Oil platforms and modules and electrical and optical equipment have contributed to the growth in the capital goods output during the third quarter. Within oil platforms the activity corresponds to the improved level of investments in the oil and gas activity for 2003. According to weekly-adjusted figures the capital goods output is still 7 per cent lower compared with the same period last year. This is partly related to a substantial drop in transport equipment.

Consumer goods

Non-durable consumer goods have contributed to the 1.4 per cent growth in consumer goods in the third quarter. Furniture and other manufacturing and publishing and printing and reproduction have contributed to these changes. Food products have also seen a minor growth in this period.