UN: Global industry grew 6.5 per cent in first quarter

Jun 1, 2011, 16:18 GMT

Vienna - Global industrial production grew by 6.5 per cent in the first quarter, indicating a recovery from the financial crisis, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said Wednesday.

Growth drivers included China, with a year-on-year increase of 15 per cent, as well as the world's biggest producer United States, with a plus of 7.1 per cent.

Emerging economies such as Turkey, Mexico and India also contributed to the upturn, the Vienna-based organization said.

UNIDO painted a mixed picture for Europe, where Britain, France and Germany increased their output significantly, while debt-ridden Greece saw a decrease of 6.9 per cent.

In contrast, Portugal's and Spain's manufacturing fell by less than 1 per cent.

Political upheavals caused manufacture to plummet in countries including Tunisia (minus 7.4 per cent) and Egypt (minus 8.9 per cent).

Japan's industry shrank 2.4 per cent following the massive earthquake and tsunami in March.