Italy: Industrial activity slumps in October
Industrial output decreased 0.6% in month-on-month seasonally-adjusted terms in October, which contrasted September’s 0.1% increase. October’s outturn marked the worst reading since May. The weakening in industrial production in October was largely driven by a deterioration in manufacturing production, which grew at the slowest pace since May. In addition, mining and quarrying output slumped.
On an annual basis, industrial production grew 2.0% in October, which was well below September’s 4.5% expansion. Meanwhile, annual average industrial production growth rose to 10.2% in October (September: +9.8%). This signals an improving trend in the industrial sector.