Statistics in Focus. Strong EU production growth continues in May 2000.

Abstract

After advancing for three successive months, the index for EU industrial production continued its upward progression, rising by 1.0% in May 2000, a higher rate than the previous two growth rates of 0.8% and 0.4% recorded in March and April 2000. Production had risen quickly in the summer and autumn of 1999, with increases of 0.5% or more in four out of the six months to November 1999. There was a pause in growth around the New Year, with no change reported in December 1999 and a decline of 0.2% in January 2000, but subsequently the first half of 2000 saw EU industrial output rising once again at a rapid pace. The trend in the euro-zone was similar, with production rising by 0.8% in May 2000.