The first 10 months of 2012 saw year-on-year output declines in five out of the 19 branches of the industrial sector, reported the National Statistical Committee (Belstat).
In particular, according to Belstat, output decreased by 4.9 percent in the production of non-metal minerals; 2.2 percent in the production and distribution of electricity, gas and water; 1.4 percent in the production of natural resources other than fuel and energy resources; 1.2 percent in the production of fuel and energy resources; and 0.5 percent in the woodworking industry. Output reportedly increased by 28.7 percent in the chemical industry; 16.3 percent in the production of petroleum coke and other petroleum products and nuclear materials; 16.2 percent in the production of transport vehicles and equipment; 6.6 percent in the production of rubber and plastic goods; 4.6 percent in the food industry; 4.5 percent in the production of electric, electronic and optical equipment: 3.8 percent in the iron and steel industry; three percent in the production of leather and footwear; 1.2 percent in the textile and garment industries; 0.9 percent in the pulp and paper industry and publishing; and 0.2 percent in the production of machines and equipment.
According to Belstat, Belarus' aggregate industrial output in the first 10 months of 2012 was 6.6 percent higher than in the same period of the previous year, totaling 524 trillion rubels. The government had projected the nation's industrial output to increase by between six and seven percent in 2012.
