Oviedo (EFE).- The production of the Asturian industry fell 5.8 percent in January in the interannual rate, which represents the fifth consecutive month of decreases, according to the index prepared by the Asturian Society of Economic and Industrial Studies (Sadei ).
The production of the Asturian industry fell by 8.9 percent in September and October, and by 11.3 percent in December, despite which it registered an increase of 2.7 percent in the whole of the 2022 financial year.
In his report, Sadei once again attributes part of the fall in January to the stoppage of ArcelorMittal’s blast furnace, although its start-up in early February “augurs an improvement in metallurgical production levels for the coming months.” , to the extent that the demand conditions allow reaching the maximum productive capacity” of the facility.
In addition, both the chemical and pharmaceutical industries point to a “certain weakness in their demand”, while the decline in electricity generation continues.
According to the report, in general terms, “a certain short-term perspective in order books is perceived in the industrial sector, which is added to the narrowing of margins, derived from the existing competition and the increase in production costs”.
Strength of the naval industry
On the positive side, Sadei once again highlighted “the strength of the regional shipbuilding industry, which maintains its strength, especially in the international market”, as well as the maintenance of the production levels of a part of the manufacturing companies and, above all, transformation of metal products.
Added to this are “the expectations of some companies linked to public works regarding a temporary upturn in demand in the coming months, derived from the usual movement that precedes electoral calls.”
Finally, he refers to the news about the impact in the region of the already known projects for the production of green hydrogen, and more specifically, the announcement of an electrolyzer plant in Langreo.
By branches of activity, production rose in January in the metal processing industry, 15.4 percent; Other manufacturing industries, 8.9 percent, and Food, beverages and tobacco, 0.6 percent.
Faced with this, the greatest setbacks corresponded to Electricity, gas and water, 18.8 percent, and Metallurgy, 16.8 percent, followed by Chemical industry, 12.4 percent; Other non-metallic mineral products, 5.8 percent; Extractive industries, 1.9 percent, and Manufacture of metal products, 1.4 percent. EFE