YEREVAN, JULY 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenian economic activity index for January-June 2016 surpassed the index of the same period of the previous year by 4.8%. The index rose by 12.8% in June 2016 compared to May. “Armenpress” reports the National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia has introduced the current-operative preliminary main macro-economic indicators characterizing the socio-economic situation of Armenia.

Construction and trade turnover have dropped. Consumer price index dropped by 1.5%, index of the price of industrial production declined by 2.4%. Construction volume decreased by 7.8% compared to the same period of the previous year. There is a 4.9% decrease in electricity production. Service volume (trade excluded) rose by 8.3% and the gross agricultural production increased by 3.3% in 2016.

In the period of January-June 2016, trade turnover declined by 0.3% against the same period of 2015 and amounted 973 billion and 481.8 million AMD. Industrial production volume grew by 8.9% amounting 659 billion 668.9 million AMD. Average monthly wage increased by 3% (183 thousand and 582 drams). This is when average monthly wage in the public sector decreased by 0.6% (157 thousand and 188 drams).

External trade grew by 2.7% (2 billion and 272.5 million USD) against January-June 2015 while exports increased by 16.7% (815 million USD) and imports decreased by 3.7% (1 billion and 457.5 million USD). US exchange rate against the dram was 483.86 during January-April.

All absolute rates are presented based on current prices.