The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) has issued the primary data for manufacturing and extractive industries of production index for December 2020.

CAPMAS has used the updated index methodology from the base year 2012/2013 at the level of main industrial activity indices, according to the Industrial Activity Manual (ISIC Rev.4), and by using the monthly price index on the basis of 2012/2013.

Egypt's manufacturing and extractive industries index (excluding crude oil and petroleum products) reached 99.15 during December 2020 (primary data). This compared to the 97.23 recorded during November 2020 (final figures), reflecting an increase by 2.0 percent.

The manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and its preparations reached 121.76 during December 2020, compared to November 2020, where it reached 118.44. 

This reflected an increase of 2.8 percent, due to increasing demand for medicine, industrial detergents and disinfectants on the back of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products reached 89.26 during December 2020, compared to November 2020, where it was reported at 83.67. This reflects an increase of 6.7 percent ,due to the increased demand on building materials.       

The manufacture of beverages reached 101.62 during December 2020, compared to November 2020, when it was reported at 104.38. The latest figure reflects a decrease of 2.6 percent, due to the lower demand coupled with the winter season conditions.

The manufacture of apparel reached 82.41 during December 2020, against the 85.51 of November 2020, reflecting a decrease by 3.6 percent due to a shortage of supply contracts.

(With input from agencies)