In April 2017, the seasonally adjusted index of industrial production recorded a decrease of 0.4% compared to March. On average for the February-April 2017 quarter, production decreased by 0.1% compared to the previous three months.

Corrected for calendar effects, in April 2017 the index increased in trend terms by 1.0% (the working days were 18 against 20 in April 2016). On average for the first four months of the year, production increased by 1.5% compared to the same period of the previous year.

The seasonally adjusted monthly index records only one positive cyclical variation in the energy sector (+2.2%); Conversely, capital goods (-1.6%), consumer goods (-0.5%) and intermediate goods (-0.4%) recorded negative changes.

In trend terms, the indices adjusted for calendar effects recorded positive changes in all sectors in April 2017; consumer goods increased (+2.2%), energy (+2.1%) and, to a lesser extent, intermediate goods (+0.7%) and capital goods (+0.6%).

As regards the sectors of economic activity, in April 2017 the sectors that recorded the greatest tendential growth were those of mining (+11.8%), textile, clothing, leather and accessories industries (+7.0%) and supply of electricity, gas, steam and air (+2.4%). The largest decreases were recorded in the sectors of computer manufacturing, electronic and optical products, electro-medical equipment, measuring equipment and watches (-5.9%), the manufacturing of electrical appliances and non-electrical household appliances (-5.7% ) and the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (-5.3%).

ISTAT press release – Reference period April 2017 – Publication date June 12, 2017

Full text and methodological note

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR

Production of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations

Seasonally adjusted data

Apr 17/ Mar 17: -2,1

Feb17-Apr17/ Nov16-Jan17: -0,2

Data corrected for calendar effects

Apr 17/ Apr 16: +2,2 

Jan-Apr 17/ Jan-Apr 16: +4,7