31 March (BNS)

The output of Estonia's industrial enterprises in February this year was 31% greater than in February 2010, Statistics Estonia said on Thursday.

"The situation in manufacturing did not change during February – the rapid growth of industrial production which began at the end of 2010 continued," Statistics Estonia said. Like before, the growth of output has been mainly the result of increase in external demand, but domestic demand also went up compared to February 2010.

Output of manufacturing increased 42% compared to February 2010. Export sales of manufacturing output grew significantly - by 71%. About three quarters, or 73%, of the entire manufacturing output was sold on the external market.

Demand domestically continued to be lower, with domestic sales increasing by 14% compared to February of the previous year.

Output exceeded the output of February 2010 in most branches of industry. Manufacture of electronic products, which more than quadrupled its output compared to February a year ago, obtained the biggest share in manufacturing during the year, accounting for almost a quarter of total output. Next came manufacture of wood and metal products, where output grew by 18% and 49%, respectively.

As regards branches of manufacturing holding smaller shares, output increased considerably in the manufacture of chemicals, motor vehicles, machinery and equipment mainly due to the increase in exports.

Compared to January 2011, seasonally adjusted industrial output remained on the same level, with manufacturing output growing 1%.

Year-on-year, the production of electricity did not change and the production of heat increased by 4%.