Accordning to the lastest figures published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, Industrial producer prices up by 0.8% in euro area Up by 0.9% in EU27 (compared with March 2008.

In April 2008 compared with March 2008, the industrial producer price index rose by 0.8% in the euro area (EA15) and by 0.9% in the EU27. In March prices increased by 0.7% in both zones. In April 2008 compared with April 2007, industrial producer prices gained 6.1% in the euro area and 7.6% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In April 2008, compared with the previous month:

• Prices in total industry excluding the energy sector rose by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU27.
• Prices in the energy sector increased by 2.0% and 1.9% respectively.
• Intermediate goods gained 0.7% in the euro area and 0.9% in the EU27.
• In both zones, capital goods rose by 0.2% and durable consumer goods by 0.1%.
• Non-durable consumer goods gained 0.1% in the euro area and 0.2% in the EU27.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases were registered in Denmark (+3.3%), Ireland and the Netherlands (both +1.5%). The industrial producer price index remained stable in the Czech Republic. The only decrease was recorded in Luxembourg (-0.3%).

Annual changes

In April 2008, compared with April 2007:

• Prices in total industry excluding the energy sector increased by 3.7% in the euro area and by 4.0% in the EU27.
• Prices in the energy sector rose by 14.3% and 18.5% respectively.
• Non-durable consumer goods gained 4.8% in the euro area and 5.1% in the EU27.
• Intermediate goods increased by 4.3% and 4.9% respectively.
• Durable consumer goods gained 2.4% in both zones.
• Capital goods rose by 1.6% in the euro area and 1.8% in the EU27.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases were observed in Lithuania (+16.5%), Denmark (+15.7%) and Romania (+14.4%), and the lowest in the Czech Republic (+4.7%), Luxembourg and Finland (both +5.1%).

What is index of producer prices?

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 recent months are estimated for the calculation of the euro area and the EU27.