Industrial production in January-June grew 7.5 percent against the same period of 2003.
The processing industry increased by 19.1 percent against the 2003 monthly average. The production and distribution of electricity, gas and water dropped 26.9 percent, while ore and stone extraction decreased by 13.7 percent.
The production of capital goods climbed 74.2 percent against the average monthly production in 2003, while the production of intermediary goods, not including energy, rose 18.4 percent. The production of durable consumer goods grew 6.3 and non-durable consumer goods five percent, while the production of energy fell 17.9 percent.
A total of 17 sectors, accounting for 70 percent of overall industrial output, reported a rise in June, while 12 sectors, which make up 30 percent of the country’s industrial production, saw a drop.
Industrial production growth was largely fuelled by increases in fruit, vegetable and milk processing, the production of artificial and synthetic fibers, paints and varnishes, special-purpose machines, tool machines, raw iron and steel, and oil derivatives.
Total industrial output in June, including SME production figures, increased by 9.1 percent against the 2003 monthly average, while the processing industry went up by 10.6 percent.