In Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2018, the Index of Production fell by 0.8% compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2018, due to a fall of 0.9% in manufacturing and a fall in energy supply of 2.7%.

In June 2018, total production was estimated to have increased by 0.4% compared with May 2018, due to increases in manufacturing of 0.4% and water and waste of 1.6%.

The monthly increase in manufacturing output of 0.4% was supported by increases in 7 of the 13 sub-sectors, led by basic pharmaceutical products (4.5%), rubber and plastic products (3.0%) and basic metals and metal products (1.3%).

In Quarter 2 2018, the Index of Production increased by 1.4% compared with Quarter 2 2017, due primarily to a rise in manufacturing of 1.3%.