Two reports released yesterday showed that strong expansion of Argentina’s industry continued during the last months of 2010, albeit not uniform across sectors.
The index prepared by the consultant Orlando Ferreres (IPI-OJF) recorded a growth of 13.4% in December, showing that 2010 closed with an overall expansion of 10.5 percent. The automotive industry led hikes over 12 months, with growth rates of about 40%, while production of snuff was placed at the other end, down from 3.7 percent.
“It raises an optimistic 2011 concerning industrial production. However, the stalled capacity at high levels and insufficient investment, along with uncertainty about energy supplies (especially in winter) presents major constraints for future industrial dynamism,” the consultant’s report said.
Meanwhile, the Industrial Union of Argentina (UIA) released its data on sectoral developments in November. There was an increase of 13.9%, while accumulated in the first 11 months saw a 12.3 percent expansion. Auto production and metalworking led hikes, although there was a recovery of the food industry.
