The real production of the German manufacturing industry grew in November by 0.2% compared to the previous month and fell by 0.4% in year-on-year terms, according to preliminary data released today by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

In October, production had fallen by 0.4% compared to the previous month and by 0.2% year-on-year.

Destatis thus revised preliminary data for October which indicated a decrease of 0.1% compared to September and no change in year-on-year terms.

In the industrial sector, production in November increased by 0.5% both compared to October and in year-on-year terms.

Within the industrial sector, the production of intermediate goods increased by 1.1% and that of investment goods, by 0.7%, while that of consumer goods fell by 1.5%.

Apart from industrial production itself, power generation grew by 3% compared to the previous month, while construction fell by 2.2%.

Production in energy-intensive sectors rose by 0.2% compared to October and therefore somewhat less than in industry as a whole, although in year-on-year terms it fell by 12.9%.

The important automotive and component sector recorded strong growth of 5.6%, while mechanical engineering, of similar weight, remained unchanged.

Among the most energy-intensive sectors, chemicals recovered – up 3.3% – and coke production and refining petroleum -5.0%)-.

Meanwhile, the paper and cardboard, production and processing of metals, and glass, glassware and ceramics sectors again registered decreases, of 2.5%, 2.3% and 2.5%, respectively.

Industrial production stabilized in November after a weak entry into the fourth quarter, the Economy Ministry said.

Business confidence has improved recently and the gradual disappearance of material supply problems could further support industrial activity in the coming months, the statement added.

However, the outlook for industrial activity in the first quarter remains contained, as indicated by the recent drop in the order book, which in November reached its lowest level since July 2020, and the cooling of the global economy.