Industrial production grew 9.0% in October, slightly below the market consensus of 10% and below Patria's forecast of 12% growth. Although the number looks very strong, especially after 3.7% growth in September, the underlying trend is slowing: October 2000 had two more working days than October 1999, so the adjusted growth slowed to 4.6% (from 8.1% in September). Industrial sales, meanwhile, grew by respectable 12.3% and productivity jumped by almost 10%. As wages grew by 6.4% in nominal terms and stagnated when adjusted for the PPI growth, competitiveness of the Czech industry was enhanced.
For the whole 2000, industry output should expand by 5.4%, with a slight further acceleration in 2001.
(David Marek)