Eurozone producer price index fell more than forecast in April

Eurostat said that in April 2020, the second month after COVID-19 containment measures were implemented by most Member States, industrial producer prices fell by 2.0% in the euro area and by 1.9% in the EU, compared with March 2020. Economists had expected a 1.8% decrease in the euro area. In March 2020, prices decreased by 1.5% in the euro area and by 1.4% in the EU.

In April 2020, compared with April 2019, industrial producer prices decreased by 4.5% in the euro area and by 4.3% in the EU.

Industrial producer prices in the euro area in April 2020, compared with March 2020, decreased by 7.5% in the energy sector, by 0.7% for intermediate goods and by 0.2% for non-durable consumer goods, while prices rose by 0.1% for capital goods and by 0.2% for durable consumer goods. Prices in total industry excluding energy decreased by 0.3%.

In the EU, industrial producer prices decreased by 7.1% in the energy sector, by 0.6% for intermediate goods and by 0.2% for non-durable consumer goods, while prices rose by 0.1% for durable consumer goods and by 0.2% for capital goods. Prices in total industry excluding energy decreased by 0.3%.

Industrial producer prices in the euro area in April 2020, compared with April 2019, decreased by 16.5% in the energy sector and by 2.7% for intermediate goods, while prices rose by 1.0% for capital goods, by 1.3% for durable consumer goods and by 1.7% for non-durable consumer goods. Prices in total industry excluding energy decreased by 0.3%. In the EU, industrial producer prices decreased by 16.1% in the energy sector and by 2.5% for intermediate goods, while prices rose by 1.2% for capital goods, by 1.4% for durable consumer goods and by 2.0% for non-durable consumer goods. Prices in total industry excluding energy decreased by 0.1%.