Austrian Economy 2005 More or Less Back on Track

In 2005, the Austrian economy grew by 1.9 percent in real terms, slightly slower than in 2004 (+2.4 percent). A weak phase in the first half gave way to growing momentum over the year, fuelled, once again, chiefly by international demand. In their role of suppliers, Austrian exporters profited from the brisk demand for German export goods. Through pushing up productivity per hour worked, it was possible to reduce the unit labour costs vis-à-vis major trading partners.