Slovakia: Industrial output falls in March
Industrial production contracted 2.3% year-on-year in March, contrasting February’s meager 1.1% expansion. The decline was due to a broad-based fall: The manufacturing; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply; and mining and quarrying components all contracted. Strong decreases in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, as well as of computer, electronic and optical products drove the manufacturing sector’s negative performance.
After adjusting for seasonal effects, industrial production increased 0.3% in month-on-month terms, contrasting February’s 0.6% drop.
Meanwhile, annual average growth in industrial output dropped from 2.8% in February to 1.8% in March, an over four-year low.