In June 2024, industrial producer prices saw a modest increase of 0.3 percent from the previous month, reflecting consistent growth in both domestic and non-domestic markets. Year-over-year analysis shows a steeper decline, with prices down by 3.5 percent, driven by a 4.9 percent drop domestically.

Among manufacturing activities, significant annual declines were observed in metallurgy and metal products by 3.2 percent, while chemicals also declined by 3.4 percent in the domestic market. However, notable annual increases were seen in coke and refined petroleum products by 3.5 percent, while basic pharmaceuticals also rose by 2.7 percent in the domestic market. The price decline in the electricity and gas supply sector remained significant but fell further by 9.4 percent, compared to the steeper fall of 13.5 percent in May.

In the construction sector, prices for residential and non-residential buildings inched up by 0.1 percent monthly but fell by 1.5 percent annually. Prices for roads and railways remained stable month-over-month but declined by 1.4 percent over the year.

Short-term growth, evidenced by a modest 0.3 percent monthly increase in industrial producer prices, indicates some stability and potential resilience in the domestic market. However, the year-over-year decline of 3.5 percent, particularly with a 4.9 percent drop domestically, underscores ongoing challenges and a potential slowdown in domestic economic activity.

The producer price indices (PPI) measure transaction prices, exclusive of VAT, for goods from industrial activities sold on the Italian market. Construction is excluded. Changes in the index provide a guide to inflation from the point of view of the product's producer/manufacturer and, in contrast to the consumer price index (CPI), excludes VAT and other deductible taxed associated with turnover.

The PPI measures prices at the producer level before they are passed along to consumers. Since the producer price index measures prices of consumer goods and capital equipment, a portion of the inflation at the producer level gets passed through to the consumer price index (CPI).

Because the index of producer prices measures price changes at an early stage in the economic process, it can serve as an indicator of future inflation trends. The producer price index and its sub-indexes are often used in business contracts for the adjustment of recurring payments. They also are used to deflate other values of economic statistics like the production index. It should be noted that the PPI excludes construction.

The PPI provides a key measure of inflation alongside the consumer price indexes and GDP deflators. The output price indexes measure change in manufacturer' goods prices produced and often are referred to as factory gate prices. Input prices are not limited to just those materials used in the final product, but also include what is required by the company in its normal day-to-day operations.

The PPI is considered a precursor of both consumer price inflation and profits. If the prices paid to manufacturers increase, businesses are faced with either charging higher prices or they taking a cut in profits. The ability to pass along price increases depends on the strength and competitiveness of the marketplace.

The bond market rallies when the PPI decreases or posts only small increases, but bond prices fall when the PPI posts larger-than-expected gains. The equity market rallies with the bond market because low inflation promises low interest rates and is good for profits.