Brussels: Industrial producer prices in both the eurozone and the broader EU increased by 0.4% in December on a month-on-month basis, indicating a consistent upward trend in the region's industrial sector. EU prices reached 128.7, while the eurozone prices were slightly lower at 127.2, as reported by Eurostat.

According to Anadolu Agency, the most significant rise was seen in the energy goods sub-index, with prices climbing 1.4% in the eurozone and 1.3% in the EU in December. Additionally, prices for capital goods experienced a modest increase of 0.1% in both regions.

Bulgaria led the monthly increase in industrial producer prices with a 5.1% rise, while Ireland recorded the largest monthly decline, dropping by 1.5%. On an annual basis, EU prices saw a slight increase of 0.1% in December, whereas the eurozone remained unchanged compared to December 2023.

Slovakia experienced a notable annual decrease of 17% in industrial producer prices, contrasting with Ireland, which saw an 11.1% increase. Over the year, the euro area recorded an average price rise of 4.2% in 2024, with the EU seeing a 4% increase compared to 2023.

The eurozone, or EA20, includes member states that utilize the euro as their currency, while the EU27 encompasses all member countries of the European Union.