Industrial output up 5% in September over last year, exports up 4.8%

Main Statistical Office (GUS) has released data concerning this year's level of industrial production. According to GUS, production output in September was 5% higher than in August, a level likewise 5% higher for the corresponding period last year. Compared to September 1999, industry production increased in 24 of the 29 industry sectors examined. According to preliminary data, production in the construction industry in September increased by 6.9% compared to August, but it is 3.8% lower than last year. Additionally, GUS reported that exports in the first 8 months of the year amounted to $20 billion, surpassing last year's figure by 14.8%. At the same time, import levels reached $31.8 billion, an increase of 10.5%. The negative balance of foreign trade amounted to $118 billion, reaching 7% of GDP. (Prawo i Gospodarka, pp.1,4)