Production in the manufacturing industry – reporting month June 2024

According to the Federal Statistical Office, production in the manufacturing industry increased by 1.4% in June compared to the previous month, after adjustment for price, calendar and seasonal effects. In May, output had declined by 3.1% according to revised data. While output in the construction industry rose only slightly by +0.3% (May: -3.1%), industrial production increased more strongly by +1.5% (May: -3.4%) and energy production by +2.9% (May: +0.7%).

The picture within industry is varied: while the pharmaceutical products (-6.6%) and food and animal feed (-5.3%) sectors recorded significant production declines, manufacturers of motor vehicles/vehicle parts (+7.5%), electrical equipment (+5.2%) and data processing equipment, electronic and optical products (+3.7%) were able to increase their output noticeably. Output also increased in the important mechanical engineering sector (+1.2%), in the chemical products sector (+1.5%) and in the particularly energy-intensive industrial sectors (+1.4%).

In a more meaningful three-month comparison, however, production in the manufacturing industry fell by 1.3%. The decline in industry was -1.0%, in construction -2.6% and in energy -1.2%.

Even though the production data has recently improved again, the gloomy business expectations in the manufacturing industry indicate that the industrial economy will remain subdued. A broad economic recovery is therefore not expected for the time being, also in view of the continued low level of incoming orders from abroad.