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 EN FRANCAIS

KEY INDICATORS Q2 2006 : Consumer prices index - metropole- company creations -france & departments-, the labor market-metropole-, job offers, industrial output index, stock levels, industrial confidence level,domestic and international order books,  external trade

CONSUMER PRICES INDEX - Q2 2006                                                                        

The overall consumer prices index increased a steep +1% in Q2 impacted by energy prices surging +4% while the food and manufactured products components climbed each +0.9% In addition, the services consumer price index grew +0.7% with the rent index increasing +0.9% The tobacco price index remained stable.

Out of manufactured products, the clothing and shoes  price index jumped +5% and, despite massive imports from lesser priced producers. The food component saw the fresh produce price index rise +4.7% impacted by the oil products price index +4.4% increase. The services component also recorded major increases with the health care services price index +1.4% gain. Other items added to the index inflationary trend with the exception of the transport and communication price index declining -1.2%  The other food price index grew a modest +0.3% and other manufactured products +0.4%

In Q2, the harmonized indices of consumer prices (HICP) rose +1.7% in the Euro area to 102.4 and +1.4% in the EU 25 to 102.3 according to Eurostat figures. France’s HICP increased +1.5% to 102.3 In the Euro area, some of the strongest energy HICP quarterly increases were recorded in Luxembourg +6.9% Spain +4.6% and Germany +3.8% France’s HICP for energy matched its domestic +4% increase. Food also accounted for the steepest consumer price increases in Germany +1% Luxembourg +0.7% and Spain +0.3% while France’s HICP for food rose +0.4% 

In one year to June, France’s local overall consumer prices index surged +1.9% and reflected its quarterly upward trend with the energy component increasing +10.2% services +2.4% and food +1.4% The tobacco price index rose +0.5% The manufactured products component fell a slight -0.3% with the clothing and shoes component remaining quasi-stable +0.2% despite other manufactured products (tires etc.) ₊0.3% increase. Out of the energy component, oil prices increased +11.6% not quite mirroring trading prices which had soared +26.6% to U$D/barrel 68.7 from U$D/barrel 54.3 On the same period, domestic fuel prices jumped +21.9% to U$D/t 629 from U$D/t 516

The services component saw the rent price index and the rent-water-garbage removal services price index rise each +3.5% Similarly, the health care price index climbed +2.7% but the transport and communication price index strong decline -2.2% prevented that component from climbing higher.

On the same period the overall HICP for the Euro area increased +2.4% and the EU 25 +2.2% France’s overall HICP rose +2.5% Out of the Euro area, Luxembourg recorded one of the highest HICP energy increase +16% followed by Spain’s +12% and Germany’s +11.9% France’s HICP for energy rose +9% Similarly, the food item saw major increases in Spain +4.2% Luxembourg +2.1% and Germany +1.4% France’s HICP for food increased +1.5% For the EU 25, the strongest increase was recorded by Cyprus with the food HICP surging +6.3% while by contrast, Portugal’s stayed stable climbing a mere +0.1%

According to Eurostat, annual inflation in June stood at 2.5% in the Euro area similarly to May. A year ago, the annual inflation rate was 2.1% The EU 25 annual inflation rate stood at 2.4% to June and 2% a year earlier. In June, Finland and Poland recorded some of the EU 25 lowest inflation rates each 1.5% while Spain’s 4% and Latvia’s 6.3% accounted for some of the highest inflation rates. France’s inflation rate stood at 2.2% in June compared with the previous month 2.4%

Source: Eurostat

EU 25: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden the United Kingdom  

Euro area: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Portugal

COMPANY CREATIONS - FRANCE & DEPARTMENTS - Q2 2006                                                  

Overall company creations fell -1.2% in Q2 to 26 733 businesses impacted by buy-backs dipping -2.6% to 3205 while new companies also fell -1.7% to 19214 unlike reactivations +1.7% rebound to 4314 Nevertheless, the quarter overall negative performance solely reflected the June dip as all categories recorded a substantial upsurge in May led by back-backs rising +10.1% reactivations +9.6% and new companies +7.9% Consequently in May alone, the overall index grew +7.8% 

Only three sectors recorded positive company creation growth rates as most new businesses took a pause following the previous quarter strong rebound: new entities in the transport group rose +13.8% the food and agriculture industry +5.6% and construction +4% 

Out of groups taking a pause, the real estate sector dipped -9.5% to 1143 new businesses followed by consumer goods declining -4.8% to 538 newly created entities The commerce sector and the services to companies new establishments fell each -3% respectively to 6705 new businesses and 5451 Both capital goods -0.9% new companies decline to 225 and intermediate goods -1.3% dip to 306 new businesses recorded some of the lowest company creations drop but, the services to individuals sector recorded the lowest company creations decline -0.5% to 4672

In one year, overall company creations fell -2.8% impacted by a series of factors affecting all categories at specific periods: new companies declined -2.2% with a noticeable drop last November due to postponements following riots. Buy-backs declined -5.6% and particularly last November. In addition, a noticeable decline occurred from February through April as massive students demonstrations and road blockades had opposed new governmental measures to put the young to work via the CPE contracts. Reactivations dropped -3.1% and saw February, April and June record the strongest dip. Per sector, transport unlike most groups saw the number of new companies climb +4.4% to 597 new businesses as that sector rebounded and benefited from strong and sustained demand in road transportation despite record oil prices. Capital goods rescinded from the previous quarter hectic performance and recorded the stonger new companies dip -17.3% to 201 new entities while the consumer goods group followed a similar pattern with new businesses falling -11% to 531 Intermediate goods saw new companies decline -5.5% to 311 impacted solely by two major company creation dips in August (summer holidays) and January (a pause from previously accrued creations ) as that group drew strong potential for new ventures from the robust capital goods sector and regardless of soaring raw material prices.

Source: Insee 

Out of the services to individuals sector, education-health-social services recorded a similar creations drop -5.4% to 1811 new companies following an exceptional creation rate in May (+7.7% to 2060 new establishments).Similarly to education-health-social services, the real estate sector April and June company creations dip saw new entities fall -4.3% to 1143 new establishments as creations had jumped +10.6 in May.

The commerce sector new companies recorded a stronger company creations drop -7% to 6374 entities. The services to companies sector, similarly to services to individuals, remained unchanged, climbing +0.1% to 5355 new businesses following sustained creations in Q1 and an impressive +11.4% surge in May. Construction saw new companies increase +0.6% to 4287 creations and at a sustained pace benefiting thus from a lasting housing shortage with ample market potential for new comers. The food and agriculture industry new businesses fell -0.6% to 624 entities due to company creation declines in July, February and April but that sector remained confident as a strong company creations rebound +15.9% occurred in May. 

Overall unemployment fell -1.4% in June to a total 2 465 000 million jobless or 9% of the total population but declined -4% in Q2 to 2 503 000 from the previous quarter 2 608 000 million jobless. The 25 to 49 age bracket unemployment rate decreased the fastest -4.9% but accounted for the largest group in numbers to 1 518 000 million jobless. The over 50 unemployment rate declined -3.6% although that age group remains mostly unaccounted for in unemployment statistics due to an official age exemption criterion for a job search. The under 25 unemployment rate fell -1.9% to 575 000 jobless or 21.8% of that total age group, representing thus and for several consecutive years the European Union‘s highest unemployment rate when compared with the EU's 18% average.

Per gender and in Q2, male unemployment fell -4.2% to 1 223 000 million jobless while female unemployment declined -3.8% to 1 280 000 million. For the 25 to 49 age group however, the gender gap widened unemployment figures as male unemployment fell -5.1% to 713 000 jobless while female unemployment within that same age group decreased -4.6% to 806 000 jobless. For males under 25 , unemployment fell -2% to 303 000 compared with female’s  -1.8% or a total 272 000 jobless. The 50+ male jobless rate declined -4.1% to 208 000 jobless and female’s -3.3% or 202 000 unemployed.

In one year, unemployment fell overall -9.8% and the 25 to 49 age bracket jobless rate declined -11.2% The 50+ jobless rate decreased -9.8% and the under 25 -5.8%

Male unemployment declined -10% and female’s -9.5% leaving all age groups to perform similarly: male unemployment for the 25 to 49 age bracket fell -11.4% to 700 000 jobless and female’s -10.9% to 793 000 unemployed. Unemployment for males under 25 decreased -6.3% to 270 000 jobless. For females in that same age group unemployment declined -5.3% to 300 000 unemployed. The 50+ unemployment rate for males fell -10.5% to 204 000 while female unemployment fell -9.1% to 199 000 jobless.

Registrations for unemployment overall fell -6% in Q2 as all criteria for registrations recorded strong declines led by registrations due to the end of temporary assignments diving -27.4% Registrations due to the end of work contracts over six month dipped -17.1% and registrations due to lay-offs decreased -6.4% In one year, overall registrations for unemployment fell -7.1% nearly similarly to registrations due to the end of contracts over 6 months -6.9% while registrations due to lay-offs fell -26.5% Registrations due to the end of temporary assignments remained stable increasing a slight +0.1%

In April and according to Unedic, the national office for unemployment benefits, the number of jobless on benefits fell -0.1% to 2 357 600 million against the previous month and declined -8.7% in one year due to the overall number of recipients that had declined -0.3% in May (and -11.9% in one year). Simultaneously however, the number of state solidarity recipients (jobless no longer eligible to receive benefits) increased +0.9% against May and +6.9% in one year. The number of recipients on training fell -0.1% in one month and increased +14% in one year. In June however, the number of jobless on benefits kept declining -1% to 2 400 600 million recipients against the previous month and fell -9.1% in one year while the number of state solidarity beneficiaries remained stable in June to 462 000 recipients but increased +4% in one year. The number of recipients on training increased +1.7% to 114 200 beneficiaries and jumped +20.7% in one year

Overall job offers declined -2.5% in Q2 to 274 000 offers as long term offers (in adjusted figures) disappointingly remained quasi stable gaining a modest +0.2% to 130 000 offers (in gross figures) while short term offers (in gross figures) jumped +13.8% to 135 000 new contracts and occasional job offers (in gross figures) nearly similarly +12.3% to 39 000 offers. In one year however, overall job offers increased +12.9% but still remained dwarfed by unemployment figures expressed in millions . Long term offers grew +17.8% boosted by new labor laws (CNE , contrat nouvelle embauche or new hire contract) allowing companies to hire staff aged over 25 years old with no commitment other than a two year trial period prior to extending a firm offer. Consequently, short term offers remained tamed, increasing a slight +1.2% while occasional job offers fell -9%

The core overall industrial output index (excluding construction) climbed +0.8% in Q2 and +2.8% in one year. 

On this quarterly period, the capital goods sector output index performed best and increased +2.9% followed closely by intermediate goods +2% The food and agriculture industry production index grew +1.2% and consumer goods a more modest +0.8% The energy sector production index dipped -3.5% and the automobile industry a slighter -0.1% while the construction sector production index rose +2.6%

All sectors recorded accrued production activities especially in May despite the number of bank holidays taking place that same month. According to Eurostat, the overall industrial output expressed in variances against the previous month in the Euro area increased +1.6% and grew +1.2% in the EU 25 on the same period. Best performers out of the EU 25 included Lithuania +7.4% Portugal +5% Denmark +4% and the Czech Republic +3.9% while the strongest output dips were recorded in Luxemburg -7% and the Netherlands -2.1% 

In Q2 and out of France’s core industrial output the CAPITAL GOODS group main categories benefited from both a vibrant construction sector and hi-tech related orders: the boats-trains-planes-motorcycles category saw its production index grow +2.6% impacted upwards by the metal products for construction output index increasing +7% while similarly the spaceship and airplane equipment production index climbed +4.4% With oil prices reaching new high in addition to difficulties in obtaining drivers license due to overly extended waiting lists, the cycles-motorcycles-transport products equipment output index increased +2.2% The rolling railway equipment production +3% index gain benefited from strong domestic and foreign order books due to equipment renewals while the shipyard construction equipment output index declined -2.8% following hectic activities in previous quarters. For the mechanical equipment category, the output index surged +1.9% with the machine tools production index jumping +9% and mechanical equipment +4.2% The reservoirs-boiler works products output index took a pause from previous sustained quarters and climbed +0.3% while the general machinery equipment production index increased +1.1%

The farming machinery production index dipped -1.2% affected by lesser orders due to both stronger imports and an ailing agriculture sector. The control and measurement equipment production +4.6% index gain accounted for the electric electronic equipment output +3% index surge following the previous quarter pause similarly to the office computers and IT equipment production +4.2% index rebound.Other components recorded milder yet still strong output growth : the motors-generators-and electric transformers production index grew +1.8% transmission reception of sound and picture +1.7% and surgery-orthopedic equipment +1.4%

In direct correlation with the capital goods sector, the INTERMEDIATE GOODS group electric and electronic components category output index increased +2.7% with both the electric products production and electronic components output indices increasing respectively +2.4% and +3.5% The metal and metallic products  output index performed nearly as well gaining +2.7% as the metallic products output index climbed +2.9% and industrial services for work on metals +2% The mineral products category saw its output index increase +2.7% boosted by the construction sector as the smelting work products and steel transformation output index grew +2.7% glassware +2.4% and the ceramics and construction equipment production index +3% The parachemical products output index decreased -0.6% despite a strong perfume sector.

The textile category underperformed but only declined -0.3% compared with previous dire periods as the textile products output index climbed +0.4% despite the synthetic fibers strong +3.5% production index rebound and flax yarn +1.3% The wood-paper-cardboard products category output index nearly mirrored textile’s and fell -0.5% impacted by the wood pulp-paper-cardboard production index -3.6% dip although the woodwork products output index gained +2.1% and extractive industries +2.9% The chemical-rubber-plastic goods category saw its overall output index increase +1.6% as the plastic and rubber products output indices grew each +1.9% The non ferrous metals production index rose a modest +0.6% 

Out of the FOOD & AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY sector, the drinks output index rose +2.6% in anticipation of the summer period while the dairy products and ice creams production index remained stable with a slight +0.1% gain.

The CONSUMER GOODS group recorded its strongest output period, although modest in comparison with other industrial sectors, but its main categories performed unevenly: the leather and clothing production index fell overall -3.9% impacted by a strong clothing and furs production index gap -6.3% as massive imports from lesser priced regions affected local order books. Simultaneously, the leather-travel items-shoes components saw its output index fall -1.1% and for similar reasons.

The publishing-book printing-reprints production index remained quasi stable with a modest +0.2% gain so as to prevent both market and stock overflow. The pharmaceuticals-perfumes-personal care products category saw its output index increase overall +1.7% as the pharmaceuticals production index rose +1.9% and the soaps-perfumes-personal care products components index a milder +1.1% compared with previous quarters. The household equipment category performed best although it recorded its first overall output index decline -0.3% as the reception-recording-reproduction equipment for sound and picture output index dived -13.3% in a pause from a hectic previous quarter in direct relation with the production of televisions, vcrs, dvds and other equipment for the 2006 Berlin Football World Cup. The furniture component output index by contrast increased yet another +1.3% following a break the previous quarter and the home appliances production index performed similarly, gaining +1.2% along with the optical-photo and clock making production index.

The AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY poor performance affected consequently the automobile equipment component output index diving -7.5% The ENERGY sector production index reflected the end of the winter period despite colder than usual temperatures: overall, the water-gas-electricity production index fell -3.9% impacted downwards by the production of electricity-gas-heat declining-4.6% while the water distribution output index climbed a modest +0.7% due to a persistent water shortage.

With ongoing civil engineering projects noticeable in nearly every major city, on highways, or roads, out of the CONSTRUCTION sector that component saw its output index increase +3.6% while the buildings production index climbed +2.1% 

In one year to June, France’s industrial output index mirrored its quarterly performance : capital goods production index jumped +7.3% and intermediate goods +4.1% The food and agriculture industry production index grew +3.5% and consumer goods +3.3% while the automobile industry production index took another strong dive -7.9% The construction sector production index increased an impressive +7.3% and the energy output index fell -0.6%

Out of the capital goods group, the electric and electronic equipment category output index performed best and increased +10.3% despite the office computers and IT equipment production -19.3% dip. That sector benefited above all from the boats-trains-planes-motorcycles category : the control and measurement equipment output index jumped +25.7% and the motors-generators-and electric transformers production index recorded a significant +4% production index increase. The transmission equipment for sound and picture output index rose +3.9% The surgery-orthopedic output index rose +4.3%

Source: Insee 

The mechanical equipment output index rose as well +6.3% with the mechanical equipment production output index increasing +14.9% machine tools +10.3% and reservoirs-boiler works products +5.1% and the general machinery production index grew +3.5% The farming machinery output index mirrored its quarterly performance and collapsed -11.6% The boats-trains-planes-motorcycles category remained on a strong output momentum and increased +5.4% with the metal products for construction production index jumping +16.9% and the airplanes and spaceship equipment output index +10.2% Despite the shipyard construction output index negative performance -10.4% along with the rolling railway equipment production index -17.9% dive that category remained on a hectic output schedule and is likely to pick up even more so in the coming months.

Out of the intermediate goods sector, and despite the synthetic fibers +4.2% production index increase, the textile category recorded negative figures with an output index declining -6.2% as the flax yarn production index collapsed -8.8% and the textile products production dipped -1.8% The electric and electronic components category performed best +9.4% as it benefited from the capital goods sector strong order books with the electric products output index rising +9.8% and electronic components +8.6%

The metal and metallic products category production index increased +4.7% with the smelting work products and steel transformation output index jumping +13.2% the metallic products output index +5.1% and work on metals a milder +1.2% Out of mineral products with an output index increasing +4.2% the ceramics and construction products output index climbed +4.9% and glassware +3% The wood-paper-cardboard products category

The consumer goods sector leather and clothing output index collapsed -12.6% as its major components recorded strong declines: the clothing and furs production index fell -15.7% and the leather-travel items-shoes production index -9% The publishing-book printing and reprints output index climbed a modest +0.6% The pharmaceuticals-perfumes-personal care products category output index remained strong and climbed +8.2% due to the pharmaceuticals products production index impressive +9.4% gain while the soaps-perfumes and personal care products production index rose +4.5%

The household equipment output index did not fare as well and saw output fall -0.8% impacted downwards by the furniture output index declining -3.2% although the reception-recording-reproduction equipment for sound and picture +7.6% output index increase balanced out that temporary negative performance. The home appliances production index +1.7% rise and the optical-photo and clock making products output index +1.6% surge contributed to uplifting that category.

The energy sector water-gas-electricity category output index slowed down -0.8% due to spring temperatures as early as April (the overall energy output index fell -5.7% that month). The electricity-gas-heat output index thus declined -1.2% while the water distribution production index rose +1.3% Out of the combustibles and fuels category with output increasing a modest +0.9% the coke and radioactive products output index nevertheless surged +10.7% due to sustained industrial activities while the refined petroleum products output index rose +1.1%

The construction sector civil engineering component output index jumped +9% while buildings rose +6.5% and impacted positively many components out of the intermediate goods sector.

The food and agriculture industry drinks output index increased +9.6% in a cyclical anticipation for the summer season while the dairy and ice cream products output rose a more modest +1.7% due to usually low consumer demand.

The automobile industry car equipment production index fell -1.2%

Business confidence (expressed in percentage against the previous month) remained mostly prudent across various industries but revealed that producers expect activities to pick up from June and, for the next three months as regards foreign orders. Simultaneously, stocks are expected to decrease. 

The Intermediate Goods Confidence Level Index showed finished stocks synchronized from June with past output. As regards orders, and although overall order books are expected to remain slow, by contrast foreign order books are expected to rise.

The Capital Goods sector Confidence Level Index showed finished stocks nearly mirroring past output with a peak in production from Q2. Nevertheless, and from June, both overall order books and foreign order books are expected to decrease although this is unlikely.

The Automobile Industry Confidence Level Index picked up from Q2 with foreign orders expected to increase in the next three month from May. Past output regained momentum from the same month following output gaps recorded the previous quarter while stocks remained contained.

The Consumer Goods group Confidence Level Index revealed that orders , both overall and foreign, are likely to decrease from June, and for the next three months when consumer spending slows down due to the summer vacations. In addition, past output stayed aligned with finished stocks which are expected to decrease as well.

Cold weather temperatures in June may have affected the Food and Agriculture Industry Confidence Level Index which stayed pessimistic as regards all orders and including from June for the next three months, despite the summer vacations when processed food products, frozen meals and drinks are in greater demand. Past output picked up nevertheless from May as stocks initiated a decline that same month.

EXTERNAL TRADE - FRANCE & DEPARTMENTS- Q2 2006                                                                     

A reduced trade gap in May to -2 Euro bn nevertheless widened anew to Euro -3.7bn in June according to estimates for that month.

In Q2, overall exports totaled Euro 32478 bn and grew +2.4% against the previous period while total imports reached Euro 35837 bn or +2.5% Intra-EU commerce increased overwhelmingly and surpassed trade with the OECD, France‘s main trading partner: exports to the Euro area rose +2% to Euro 16025bn and increased +2.5% to the EU 25 to Euro 21039bn while exports to the OECD, only grew +0.9% to Euro 25526bn In one year overall total exports rose +13.3% and edged closer to imports +14.1% gain.

In April and as regards exports, only two sectors recorded substantial market share growth rates -- the capital goods sector and the intermediate goods group saw exports increase respectively +4.9% and +0.8% -- while in May, accrued export activities involved all sectors with the exception of the capital goods group -4% decline. The agriculture-fisheries group exports rose +5.9% energy +4.9% consumer goods +2.6% the food and agriculture industry +2.3% intermediate goods +1.8% and the automobile industry +1.1% In June, the food and agriculture industry gained an additional +1.4% exports growth rate, consumer goods a milder +0.7% while the agriculture and fisheries group saw exports surge +3.6% along with capital goods +3.7% and intermediate goods +1.7% The energy sector’s exports nevertheless rescinded -2.3%

On this quarterly period the ENERGY group performed best with exports increasing +4.3% but mostly due to soaring oil prices while the INTERMEDIATE GOODS group exports rose +3.5% ahead of CAPITAL GOODS +2.2% increase. CONSUMER GOODS exports climbed +2.1% and the AGRICULTURE-FISHERIES group +1.8% The FOOD & AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY along with the AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY performed negatively however with exports sliding respectively -1.2% and -1.1%

Per region, exports to Asean countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taïland, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Birmany) fell -2.2% to Euro 557mn and also declined to Africa -2.2% to Euro 1738bn due to slower activities in May.

Imports rose in April led by energy imports climbing +7% The agriculture-fisheries group saw imports increase +3.8% intermediate goods +4.6% the automobile industry +1.6% and capital goods +2% By contrast, the food and agriculture industry imports stayed modest +0.7% and consumer goods declined -1.9% In May four sectors increased their respective imports : the consumer goods imports rose +2% agriculture-fisheries +3% energy +1.3% and intermediate goods +1.2% Imports of capital goods rescinded -3% and the automobile industry -1.6% while the food and agriculture industry imports fell a slight -0.8% In June, both the capital goods sector and energy imports rose respectively +4.1% and +7% and the food and agriculture industry +1.3% More modest imports were recorded by the consumer goods sector +0.9% the agriculture-fisheries group +0.7% and intermediate goods +0.6%

This quarter, energy imports fell -1.1% and both the intermediate goods group and the agriculture-fisheries sector recorded the fastest growing import rates respectively +4.7% and +3.6% The capital goods sector saw imports increase +2.3% and the automobile industry +2% Consumer goods imports rose +1.2% and the food and agriculture industry +0.7%

In one year, and out of exports, the capital goods group recorded the highest market share growth rate +21.4% along with intermediate goods +15.3% gain. The food and agriculture industry exports rose +10.7% and consumer goods' increased +9.1% nearly as much as the energy sector +9.6% gain. The automobile industry exports slipped -4.8%

Per region, and on the same period, exports to the OECD rose the fastest +10.4% but were tailgated by exports to the EU 25 increasing +10.2% and +8.9% to the Euro area. Exports to Africa also rose significantly +6.7% but declined -6.2% to the Asean region. 

Energy imports soared +46% due to record high oil prices and both the capital goods group and the intermediate goods sector recorded the highest imports climbing respectively +15.7% and +12.3% The automobile industry imports rose +6.3% and consumer goods +5.7% nearly as fast as the food and agriculture industry +6% The agriculture-fisheries group imports rose a modest +0.9% by comparison.

Imports from Africa rose the fastest +19.4% but in value stayed the largest from the OECD and rose +12.1% Nevertheless, imports from the Euro area followed closely and increased +11.1% along with imports from the EU 25 climbing +10.1% By contrast imports from the Asean region only rose +0.6%

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