27 April 2018

2018- n° 114

In March 2018, producer prices in industry rose again (+0.3%) Industrial Producer and Import Price Indices - March 2018

On all markets (French market and foreign markets), producer prices in industry kept increasing in March 2018 (+0.3% after +0.2% in February). Year over year, they accelerated (+1.9% after +1.1% in February).

In March 2018, French producer prices in industry for the French market grew by 0.4% after a virtual stability in February. Prices were strong in all great industrial sectors.

In March, the prices of refined petroleum products picked up (+1.9% after −5.9%), in the wake of the oil price. The increase was especially marked for gas oil and super-grade fuels, whereas prices of heavy products kept decreasing. Year over year, prices of refined petroleum products gathered pace (+9.8% after +1.0% in February).

In March, mining and quarrying products, energy and water prices increased again (+0.7% after +1.9%), thanks to the growth in prices of electricity and, to a lesser extent, of that of waste management and recovery. Year over year, the prices of mining and quarrying products, energy and water gathered pace (+6.0% after +4.0%).

In March, food prices recovered (+0.4% after −0.1%). Main rises involved processed and preserved meat, notably lamb meat linked with Easter holiday and beef with the grilled meat comeback, and dairy products. Year over year, food products prices went up (+0.5% after +0.3% in February).

In March, the prices of “other industrial products” rose slightly again (+0.2%, after +0.3%). Prices grew slightly for all products of this sector. Year over year, prices of “other industrial products” increased by 1.7%, as in February.

In March 2018, the producer prices of French industrial products sold on foreign markets were stable after +0.3% in the previous month. The rise in prices for electrical and electronic equipment was offset by the decrease in those of refined petroleum products and transport equipment. Year over year, export prices of industrial products recovered slightly (+0.3% after −0.2% in February).

In March 2018, the import prices of industrial products picked up (+0.2% after −0.6%) mainly due to the refined petroleum product price rise and to a lesser extent of that of food products. Year over year, import prices also recovered (+0.4% after −0.1%).