Italy: Industrial production contracts in April
Industrial output contracted 1.2% in April on a month-on-month, seasonally-adjusted basis, strongly contrasting March’s 1.2% increase. April’s contraction came on the back of a decline in the manufacturing; and electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning sub-sectors, while mining and quarrying output rebounded from the previous month. Within the manufacturing sector, the rubber and plastic products; textile, clothing, leather; and wood industries posted the weakest performances.
On an annual basis, industrial production expanded 1.9% in April, the slowest increase in one year, decelerating notably from March’s 3.5% rise. Meanwhile, annual average growth in industrial output remained unchanged at 4.1% for the fourth consecutive month.