Industrial output growth slowed to 1.8% in December due to sustained sluggishness in the manufacturing sector and decline in mining and capital goods sectors.

Data released by the Central Statistics Office on Friday showed the index of industrial production rose 1.8% in December, lower than the 5.9% growth posted in November and 8.1% registered in the same year-ago month. During April and December, industrial output clocked 3.6% growth compared to 8.3% in the corresponding period last year.

The industrial sector has been under stress for a significant period due to stubborn inflation, rising input costs, high interest rates and delay in implementation of projects and policy rollout.



Keywords:Industrial output growth, manufacturing sector , mining , capital goods sectors, Central Statistics Office ,stubborn inflation, rising input costs, high interest rates,projects, policy rollout.