The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) issued, on Wednesday, the primary data for the primary index of manufacturing and extractive industries in July 2020.
The agency has updated the index methodology, to use the base year 2012/2013 and the level of main divisions of industrial activity according to the Industrial Activity Manual (ISIC Rev.4). The report also took into account the monthly figure for producer prices based on 2012/2013 figures.
The primary data showed manufacturing and extractive industries index (excluding crude oil and petroleum products) stood at 97.39 during July 2020, compared to 104.14 during June 2020 (final), reflecting a decrease of 6.5 %.
However, CAPMAS reported increase at the level of certain economic activities. The manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers increased 8.0% to 174.3 in July 2020, compared to the 161.4 reported in June 2020. The increase was attributed to the increase in demand and sales.
The manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and its preparations rose 3.9% to 126.9 in July 2020, compared to the 122.1 recorded in June 2020. The increase came off the back of increased demand for pharmaceutical, chemical and pharmaceutical preparations, due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The CAPMAS report showed a decrease in certain economic activities, including the manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products (Bricks, Glass and Cement). This segment saw a decrease of 10.1% to 70.0 during July 2020, compared to the 77.9 reported in June 2020.
The downturn in this segment was attributed to the lower demands for construction products, particularly as construction work nationwide was briefly halted due to the pandemic.
The manufacture of paper and paper products decreased by 3.5% to 64.1 in July 2020 compared to June 2020, when it recorded 66.4. The decline reflected both the import of paper from abroad at lower prices, and the weaker current demand for paper-based products due to the e-learning trend.
