Industrial production in Bulgaria recorded a decline on a monthly and annual basis in January, according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), released today.
Compared to January 2024, was recorded decrease of 3.5% in industrial production index.
After showing weak signs of improvement for a year and a half, with increases in September and November 2024, in December it industry index returned to a decline. On a monthly basis, the NSI recorded a decline in the extractive industry by - 19%, in the manufacturing industry by - 1.1%, while in the production and distribution of electricity, heat and gas, growth was observed by + 12.5%.
A more significant decline in the manufacturing industry was recorded in manufacturing not elsewhere classified by - 16.8%, in the manufacture of computer and communication equipment, electronic and optical products by - 15.2%.
Growth was recorded in the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers by + 17.8%, in the manufacture of metal products, excluding machinery and equipment by + 16.6%, and in the repair and installation of machinery and equipment by + 15%.
On an annual basis, calculated from the annual data for 2024, the statistics report a decline in industrial production, in the production and distribution of electricity, heat and gas by - 14.5%, in the mining industry by - 4.5%, as well as in the manufacturing industry by - 0.3%.
A decline was also recorded in the manufacturing industry compared to a year earlier. This occurs in: production of basic metals - 34.1%, production of textiles and textile products, excluding clothing - 22.2%, production of paper, cardboard and paper and cardboard products - 21.5%.
The NSI reports growth in: production of tobacco products + 58.1%, production of vehicles, excluding cars + 33.3%, and production of products from other non-metallic mineral raw materials by 30.3%.