In January industrial output in Poland increased by 8.5 percent, reports the Central Statistical Office.

 In December 2009, industrial output increased by 7.4 percent and economists predicted a further rise in January but they did not expect it would exceed 6.5 percent.

 Computer, electronic and optical equipment manufacturers have reported a sharp rise of output – by 66.7 percent – and car and metal manufacturers by over 25 percent.

 Output fell in only 12 branches of industry out of a possible 34, when compared to the last year. Beverage producers have reported a 9.5-percentage drop in output.

 “The statistics are incredibly optimistic, especially if we take into account that there were fewer working days in January and unfavourable weather conditions,” says Przemyslaw Kwiecien from X-Trade Brokers.

 However, in comparison with December, industrial output has decreased by 5.4 percent. The Central Statistical Office has also reported that production costs in January 2010 were slightly higher than last year as a result of the strengthening of zloty.