Cyprus industrial output up again in September

The volatile industrial production index rose by 2.1% year on year in September, reaching 123.0 (base 2000=100), after a rise of 1.9% in August and fall of 1.0% in July.

For the period January-September 2006, the index recorded a decrease of 0.1% compared with the same period of 2005.

Manufacturing, plagued by poor competitiveness apart from a few isolated sectors, rose in September by 1.0% compared to September 2005 but fell during the first nine months of the year by 1.7% compared with Jan-Sep 2005.

Electrical and optical equipment has enjoyed a strong year, with output up by 23.9% in the first nine months.

Electricity, gas and water, has risen every month this year and was up by 5.0% year on year in January to September.

Mining has been more volatile and rose by 1.5% year on year in the first nine months of the year.