Mining and quarrying recorded the strongest increase in output prices in April 2025, rising by 7.4 per cent year-on-year, while water supply and materials recovery saw the sharpest drop, down by 5.3 per cent, according to official data released on Friday by the Statistical Service.

The Index of Industrial Output Prices rose by 0.2 per cent in April, reaching 122.2 units, based on 2021 as the reference year set at 100 points.

Compared to March 2025, the increase mirrored the annual growth, with the index also up by 0.2 per cent year-on-year.

However, for the period January to April 2025, the index marked a slight decline of 0.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2024.

In terms of monthly changes, the manufacturing sector recorded an increase of 0.5 per cent. Mining and quarrying remained stable, while water supply and materials recovery fell by 3.7 per cent.

At the same time, electricity supply recorded a small decline of 0.1 per cent.

On an annual basis, mining and quarrying saw the strongest increase, rising by 7.4 per cent. Manufacturing followed with a more modest gain of 0.9 per cent.

In contrast, water supply and materials recovery dropped by 5.3 per cent, while electricity supply declined by 1.8 per cent compared to April 2024.

Within the manufacturing sector, several divisions reported annual increases in output prices.

Specifically, the manufacture of electronic and optical products and electrical equipment rose by 6.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, furniture, other manufacturing, and repair and installation of machinery and equipment recorded a rise of 3.9 per cent.

In addition, the manufacture of paper, paper products and printing increased by 3.9 per cent.

Textiles, wearing apparel and leather products also grew by 3.3 per cent.

The category covering refined petroleum products, chemicals, chemical products and pharmaceutical products rose by 2.5 per cent.

Machinery and equipment, including motor vehicles and other transport equipment, saw an increase of 2.2 per cent.

The only annual decrease was recorded in the manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco products, which fell by 0.7 per cent compared to April 2024.