In the first quarter this year, provisional data indicates that the index of industrial turnover increased by 1.5 per cent over the fourth quarter 2009 and by 22.9 per cent over the corresponding quarter of 2009.

Industrial turnover

In the first quarter of 2010, industrial turnover increased by 1.5 per cent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. This was mainly reflected in an increase in turnover of 7.9 per cent in the energy and capital goods sectors respectively and a 6.8 per cent rise in the consumer goods sector. On the other hand, turnover in the intermediate goods sector fell by 6.2 per cent. Year-on-year data revealed that industrial turnover advanced by 22.9 per cent, to 106.9 points in 2010. This rise was attributed to a general increase in all the main industrial groupings, mainly intermediate goods (+17.8 per cent).

Manufacturing new orders

In the first quarter manufacturing new orders fell by 3.1 per cent to 89.9 points. This drop was mainly attributed to a decrease in new orders for intermediate goods (-7.9 per cent).

Year-on-year data revealed that manufacturing new orders rose by 22.7 per cent, mainly on account of a 19.8 and 22.4 per cent rise in intermediate and consumer goods respectively.

Industrial employment, wages and salaries and hours worked

Industrial employment in the first quarter went down by 1.2 per cent. Furthermore, gross wages paid and the total hours worked in the industrial sector fell by 8.5 and 2.0 per cent respectively. Year-on-year, industrial employment, gross wages and salaries and hours worked fell by 5.6, 14.4 and 0.5 per cent respectively.

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