In January 2008  according to Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, the industrial producer price index rose by 0.8% in the euro area (EA15) and by 1.0% in the EU27. In December prices increased by 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, in comparison with December 2007.

In January 2008, compared with January 2007, prices in total industry excluding the energy sector increased by 3.3% in the euro area and by 3.6% in the EU27. Prices in the energy sector rose by 10.6% and 12.6% respectively. Non-durable consumer goods gained 4.6% in the euro area and 4.7% in the EU27. Intermediate goods increased by 3.7% and 4.2% respectively. In both zones, durable consumer goods gained 2.1%. Capital goods rose by 1.3% in the euro area and by 1.4% in the EU27.

What is industrial producer price index?
The index of producer prices shows (in the national currency of the country concerned) changes in the ex-works sale prices of all products sold on the domestic markets of the various countries, excluding imports. Euro area and EU indices refer to overall weighted price changes. The figures are not adjusted. Missing observations from Member States for the calculation of the euro area and the EU are estimated.

What is the euro area?
The euro area (EA13) consisted of 13 Member States up to 31 December 2007: Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Finland. From 1 January 2008 the euro area (EA15) also includes Cyprus and Malta.