In the three months to May 2018, the Index of Production fell by 0.6% compared with the three months to February 2018, due primarily to a fall of 1.2% in manufacturing; this was partially offset by a rise in mining and quarrying of 4.6%.

In May 2018, total production was estimated to have decreased by 0.4% compared with April 2018, led by falls in energy supply of 3.2% and mining and quarrying of 4.6%.

The monthly increase in manufacturing output of 0.4% was supported by increases in 9 of the 13 sub-sectors.

In the three months to May 2018, the Index of Production increased by 1.8% compared with the same three months to May 2017.