Romania Factory Output Up 4.6%

Romania’s industrial production increased by 4.6% in the first seven months of this year when compared to the same period of 2017, according to data from the national statistics institute, Romania Insider reported. The manufacturing industry went up by 5.7% while the mining industry increased by 2.8% in the same period. The energy and utilities sector, however, declined by 1.1%. Industrial production accelerated in July, when it recorded a growth rate of 7.3% compared to July 2017. The manufacturing industry was the growth engine, with an 8.2% increase. The mining industry was up 4.2% and the energy industry grew by 2.8%. Industry had the highest contribution to Romania’s gross domestic product and to the economic growth in the first half of this year. Meanwhile, net investments in Romania’s economy totaled RON 33.6 billion ($8.35 billion) in the first half of 2018, up by 5.8% compared to the same period of 2017, INS said. Investments in new construction work declined by 3.6% to RON 15.1 billion while investments in equipment, including transport means, went up by 4.6% to RON 13.8 billion.