The output value soared 11.3% in electricity, gas and steam supply, and 8.8% in manufacturing, while declining 13.3% in mining.

Sales revenue also rose, by 6.5% over the year before, as manufacturing sales rose 6.6% and mining sales were up 3.6% on the back of robust exports.

The value of inventories dropped 0.2% at the annual level, though it was down 1.5% on December.