The manufacturing industry in 2018 Activity is slowing down and the trade deficit is stabilising

In 2018, the added value of the manufacturing industry was relatively stable in terms of volume. It experienced a more marked slowdown than the rest of the economy. The most dynamic activities are the pharmaceutical industry and transport equipment manufacturing. Production within the agri-food industries is once again seeing an increase in terms of volume thanks to wine. The trade deficit is stabilising, in spite of rising oil prices and the appreciation of the euro. Exports of transport equipment are growing. Companies are slowing their resort to temporary workers and are creating jobs.