Industrial production up 3.6% y-o-y in 2018
Image by Pixabay
In December 2018, the volume of industrial output grew by 5.4% year-on-year, according to a first estimate of monthly data from the Central Statistical Office (KSH). Based on working day-adjusted data, December output rose by 5.7%.
The majority of manufacturing subsections contributed to the December growth, noted the KSH. Output of the biggest branch, vehicle manufacturing, rose at a faster pace than in the previous month. Output of the computer, electronics and optical equipment branch expanded significantly, while output of the food, beverages and tobacco branch rose to a lesser degree than a year earlier, the KSH said.
Industrial output in December – according to seasonally and working day-adjusted indices – was 2.5% above the level of the previous month.
In 2018 as a whole, the volume of industrial production was 3.6% higher compared to 2017.
A second estimate of industry output data for December, and for 2018 as a whole, will be published on February 13.
Responding to the data, ING Bankʼs chief analyst Péter Virovácz said the December increase was higher than expected, especially in light of seasonal shutdowns. Industrial output growth could reach 4-5% in 2019, though weaker output in Germany and a slowdown in global growth are downside risks, he added.
TakarékBank analyst Gergely Suppan also noted the high December growth as a positive surprise, saying it may have lifted Q4 GDP growth to 5%. The introduction of new car models and added manufacturing sector capacities, along with robust domestic demand, could raise industrial output growth to 4.8% this year, he added.
Lenders' Home Loan Outlays at HUF 344 bln in H2 2023
EC Calls on Hungary to Comply With CJEU Ruling on Asylum See...
Poland Retail Sales Growth Stable in March
Hungary Launches HUF 15 bln Tourism Sector Support Program
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
