Irish manufacturing output fell 1.9 per cent in May; 1.9 per cent lower than in April 2016.

On an annual basis production for May 2016 increased by 6.5 per cent when compared with May 2015.

The seasonally adjusted volume of industrial production for manufacturing industries for the three months March to May 2016 was 11.9 per cent lower than in the preceding three month period.

The modern sector showed a monthly decrease in production of 5.2 per cent for May 2016 and an annual increase of 15.5 per cent compared with May 2015. Within this sector the main contributors were basic pharmaceutical products and preparations and computer, electronic and optical products.

Basic pharmaceutical products and preparations decreased by 0.9 per cent in the month and increased by 19.1 per cent annually.

Computer, electronic and optical products decreased by 0.1 per cent monthly and increased by 45.4 per cent year on year.

The volatility of the production and turnover indices for the modern sector reflects the changes from month to month in production patterns, product mix, sales, pricing and stock building or reduction.

The sector includes chemicals and pharmaceuticals; computer, electronic, optical and electrical equipment; reproduction of recorded media; and medical and dental instruments and supplies.

There was a monthly decrease of 3.1 per cent in the traditional sector for May 2016 and an annual decrease of 5.4 per cent compared with May 2015.

Turnover decreased by 2.4 per cent for manufacturing industries in May 2016 when compared with April.

On an annual basis turnover increased by 2 per cent when compared with May 2015.