03.07.2007 - Producer prices rose by 0.3% in the euro area in May

The producer price index in the euro area rose in May by 0.3%, which was up to analysts’ estimates (0.3%), but slightly below the preceding reading (0.4%).

In May 2007, compared with May 2006 producer prices increased by 2.3%, which was below economists’ expectations (2.4%). In April annual producer price index was 2.4%.

Producer prices excluding energy sector rose in May by 0.4% compared with the previous month, and by 3.2% compared with May 2006. Prices in the energy sector increased in May by 0.5% compared with the previous month and fell by 0.5% toward May 2006.