The Hindu Business Line : Industrial output rising: CII survey

The survey shows that during April-December 2003, 17 sectors recorded growth in production of more than 20 per cent, up from only 13 sectors during the previous year.

The survey covers 134 manufacturing associations affiliated to the Associations Council along with other member companies of CII.

During the year, 41 sectors showed an increase in production of 10-20 per cent, 10 more than last year. Besides, 57 sectors showed an increase in production of less than 10 per cent, down from the previous year figure of 71 sectors.

During 2003, 19 sectors showed negative growth while only 16 sectors showed a negative growth last year.

The fastest growing sector was automobiles (37.4 per cent growth) while medium and heavy commercial vehicles grew by 35.3 per cent. Fluid power component production has grown by 23 per cent.

Among the other fast growing sectors include colour picture tubes and machine tools both of which recorded a growth in production of 20 per cent, while sponge iron recorded a growth in production of 17.3 per cent and pharmaceuticals recorded a growth in production of 16 per cent.

The survey shows that 29 sectors have shown growth in exports of 20 per cent or more, more than double of last year, when 14 sectors had shown a similar increase.

Besides, 24 sectors recorded an increase in exports of 10-20 per cent. In addition, only two sectors registered growth in exports of less than 10 per cent this year and only five sectors showed a fall in exports.

Utility vehicles were the fastest growing export item with an increase of 183 per cent, while nylon filament yarn (180 per cent) and cars registered an increase of 69 per cent in exports.