Further Weakening in Industrial Activity

The world economy is still in recession, a new pick-up of activity is not yet visible. Real GDP, on a seasonally adjusted basis, has been declining for over a year in the U. S., more recently also in Germany. Given the unfavourable environment, activity in Austria has held up well, mainly supported by domestic private consumption, construction, and tourism demand. However, industrial output is falling, by ½ percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter 1991. Employment is shrinking in manufacturing but still expanding in other sectors. The growth differential between the Austrian economy and its trading partners is reflected in a considerable deterioration of the trade balance.