Meanwhile, imports from all other countries have fallen. Domestic consumption has increased, investment has expanded and exports have grown. Offshore investments are down and there has been reduced activity in the shipbuilding industry. Overall private consumption fell last year and export conditions for steel businesses are not satisfactory. Apparent consumption is expected to remain at 1999 levels this year.
Inflation is low and unemployment is falling.
Investment increased during 1998 but fell in comparison last year, private consumption has risen. 1999 was the eighth consecutive year of economic growth. Industrial production increased by a small amount last year.