Industrial output falls by 14.6 percent

The Czech Statistical Office has revealed that industrial output in the Czech Republic fell by 14.6 percent in December – the third straight drop amidst the global economic downturn. The numbers, say analysts, are further confirmation the country is in recession. In December almost all industrial sectors slumped compared to the previous year: car production dropped by more than 20 percent, electronics by 15.5, and metal and steel production by just over 25 percent. Overall, sales in industry fell by 13.7 percent. Analysts do not see improvement as likely in the coming months.