Provisional statistics on index of industrial production and producer price index for manufacturing and waste management sectors for third quarter of 2025
According to the provisional results of a survey released today (December 15) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 5.4% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 0.9% in the second quarter of 2025. The corresponding producer price index increased by 7.7% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 4.0% in the second quarter of 2025.
The index of industrial production for sewerage, waste management and remediation activities decreased by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, as against a year-on-year increase of 1.7% in the second quarter of 2025. The corresponding producer price index slightly increased by 0.3% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 1.6% in the second quarter of 2025.
Indices of industrial production reflect changes in the volume of local industrial output after discounting the effect of price changes. The price changes are measured by the producer price indices compiled from data on producer prices of selected industrial goods/services collected in the same survey.
Comparing the industrial production in respect of major manufacturing industries in the third quarter of 2025 with that a year earlier, increases in output volume were recorded mainly in the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry (+6.1%), the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+2.5%), and the paper products, printing and reproduction of recorded media industry (+1.0%). On the other hand, a decrease in output volume was recorded in the textiles and wearing apparel industry (-5.2%).
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 4.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the second quarter of 2025.
Producer price indices reflect changes in the prices of local output. They measure changes in the actual prices (net of any discounts or rebates allowed to buyers, plus any surcharges) received by producers for their output. Transportation and other incidental charges are not included.
Comparing the third quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, increases in producer prices were recorded for all major manufacturing industries. The metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry had the largest increase in producer price (+14.6%), followed by the textiles and wearing apparel industry (+2.7%), the paper products, printing and reproduction of recorded media industry (+1.5%), and the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+1.0%).
Table 1 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the indices of industrial production for manufacturing and waste management sectors by selected industry grouping. Table 2 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the producer price indices for manufacturing and waste management sectors by selected industry grouping.
The revised figures on indices of industrial production and producer price indices for manufacturing and waste management sectors for the third quarter of 2025 will be released at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/page_8000.html) and relevant publications of the Department starting from January 19, 2026.
Users can browse and download the reports "Quarterly Index of Industrial Production for Manufacturing and Waste Management Sectors, 3rd Quarter 2025" (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1070002&scode=310) and "Quarterly Producer Price Index for Manufacturing and Waste Management Sectors, 3rd Quarter 2025" (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1070003&scode=280) at the website of the C&SD.
For enquiries about indices of industrial production and producer price indices for manufacturing and waste management sectors, please contact the Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7247; email: ind-production@censtatd.gov.hk).
Photo source: the official website of C&SD
Photo source: the official website of C&SD
DH announces latest situation of Legionnaires' disease cases
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 15) reported the latest number of Legionnaires' disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.
From December 7 to 13, the CHP recorded one imported LD case, involving a 72-year-old male patient who had underlying illnesses.He travelled to the Chinese Mainland during the incubation period.
The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. Initial investigations revealed that it is a sporadic case. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.
As of December 13, 157 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2024 and 2023, there were 135 and 121 LD cases respectively.
Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.
Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.
Immunocompromised persons should:
- Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
- Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and
- If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers' instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.
The public should observe the health advice below:
- Observe personal hygiene;
- Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
- Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
- If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendations;
- Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
- Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
- Seek and follow doctors' professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
- When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:
- Wear gloves and a face mask;
- Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
- Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
- Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
- Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
The public may visit the CHP's LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP's risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD.
The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image
