The Index of Production for Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2017 was estimated to have increased by 0.1%. Increases of 0.3% in manufacturing and 1.8% in mining and quarrying were offset by a fall of 4.3% in energy supply.

In March 2017, total production decreased by 0.5% compared with February 2017, due to falls of 4.2% in energy supply and 0.6% in manufacturing.

Basic metals and metal products provided the largest downward pressure on manufacturing in March 2017, while warmer-than-average temperatures led to a decrease in energy supply.

Total production output for March 2017 compared with March 2016 increased by 1.4%, with growth in three of the four main sectors, with manufacturing providing the largest contribution, increasing by 2.3%.