Production volume of Azeri processing industry as of Jan.-July, 2009 has dropped for 8% making up 2.39m manat compared to the same period last year, Turan agency reports.

The economic crisis first of all hit metallurgy (61.8% downturn), chemistry (-52.9%), furniture industry (-42.6%), oil processing (-10.3%) as well as plastic and rubber industry (-19.3%). Same as in 2008, foodstuffs for 960m manta were produced.

Overall, State Statistics Committee fixed the industrial production rate increase at 0.1% on a manufactured service base, making 8.3%. Processing industry share in commercial production as of Jan.-July, 2009 made 21.2%.

The agency reports the crisis impacted both the production volume and employment rate. Compared to same period last year, number of industry sector employees in Azerbaijan fell by 7.2% making up 166.3 thousand people. Number of state employees registered 8.8% dropdown, whereas in metallurgy and automobile construction – 20% and 25% accordingly.

The crisis affected also the foodstuff prices. Compared to Jan.-July, 2008, Azeri producers price index fell by 35% including those in mining (50%) and processing industry (6.4%).

However, the prices in July registered average 6.8% increase compared to June, 2009.