Industrial output rose by a seasonally adjusted 2.1% in June 2009, compared with May, the first growth so far in 2009, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported today. Industrial output rose even if high-tech output, the economy's growth engine, is excluded.
The growth in industrial output encompassed all sectors: high-tech output, including pharmaceuticals, rose by 2.2% in June, mixed high-tech (such as chemicals, refining, and machinery) output rose by 1.1%, mixed low-technology output (such as mining and quarrying, plastics, and metals) rose by 2.9%, and low-technology output (such as textiles, printing, and food) rose by 1.9%.
Industrial employment figures remain weak, however, with the number of jobs falling by 0.5% in June. However, work-hours rose by 0.8%, indicating recovery of production.
Trade and services proceeds also rose by a seasonally adjusted 3.5% in June, and reached the level before the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. Proceeds rose in all sectors: wholesale proceeds rose 3.3% in June, retail proceeds rose 1.5%, accommodations and catering services proceeds rose 3.5%, financial services proceeds rose 7.6%, business services proceeds rose 3%, and computer services proceeds rose 2.5%.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 18, 2009
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