In December 2008 compared with November 2008, the industrial producer price index fell by 1.3% in the euro area (EA15) and by 1.4% in the EU27. In November, prices decreased by 2.0% in both zones.

In December 2008 compared with December 2007, industrial producer prices rose by 1.8% in the euro area and by 2.6% in the EU27.

The average industrial producer price index for 2008, compared with 2007, increased by 6.2% for the euro area and by 8.1% for the EU27.

Monthly changes

In December 2008, compared with the previous month, prices in total industry excluding the energy sector fell by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU27. Prices in the energy sector decreased by 3.7% and 3.8% respectively. Durable consumer goods gained 0.1% in both zones. Capital goods remained unchanged in the euro area and rose by 0.1% in the EU27. Non-durable consumer goods dropped by 0.2% in the euro area and remained unchanged in the EU27. Intermediate goods declined by 1.2% and 1.0% respectively.

Prices in total industry fell in all Member States for which data are available. The largest falls were observed in Bulgaria and Denmark (both -3.9%) and Lithuania (-3.5%), and the smallest in Cyprus (-0.2%), Slovenia (-0.4%) and Slovakia (-0.7%).

Annual changes

In December 2008, compared with December 2007, prices in total industry excluding the energy sector increased by 1.6% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU27. Prices in the energy sector rose by 2.1% and 2.7% respectively. Durable consumer goods gained 2.5% in the euro area and 2.7% in the EU27. Capital goods increased by 2.2% and 2.9% respectively. Non-durable consumer goods gained 1.4% in the euro area and 2.5% in the EU27. Intermediate goods rose by 1.3% and 2.4% respectively.

Among Member States for which data was available, the highest increases in the total index were observed in Cyprus (+8.5%), Hungary (+8.3%) and Romania (+7.2%). The only decreases were recorded in Denmark (-3.2%), Greece (-2.6%), the Czech Republic and Spain (both -0.2%).

Note: No specific data was available for Malta

These figures come from Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities.

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